The tenants terrorised others living beside them in Buckhaven by knocking on their doors and shouting through letterboxes.

Fife Council said they also shouted, swore and fought in their homes, which were used reguarly by known drug users and alcholics.

Housing spokesman, Councillor Alex Sawers, said: "This should serve as a clear warning to tenants that indulge in this kind of selfish, destructive behaviour that where the council has evidence, tough action will be taken."

We have two extreme examples of how anti-social behaviour of two individuals can literally destroy a community, damaging people's health and forcing them to move away

Alex Sawers Housing spokesman

Both properties were filthy with extensive damage to fixtures and fittings.

One of the tenants had had three separate fires in his flat which he had had failed to report.

A neighbour's health was so deeply affected by their behaviour that he was forced to move house. Another was driven to terminate his tenancy.

Lost income

The council has been unable to relet the properties and two adjoining homes resulting in a loss of rental income.

The tenants were evicted after repossession orders were granted recently by Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court.

They had rejected all offers of assistance from the council, including one from Environmental Services officers to fumigate their homes.

Evidence of the tenants' behaviour

Mr Sawers said eviction was always used as a last resort, but that the interests of the wider community had to come first.

"With the right to a council tenancy goes the responsibility to consider the effect of your actions on your neighbours," he went on.

"Here we have two extreme examples of how anti-social behaviour of two individuals can literally destroy a community, damaging people's health and forcing them to move away.

"In such cases, and especially where our offers of assistance have been turned down, eviction is the only course of action we can seek."