HOUSING bosses have been told to act now to end the misery of residents in the middle of an asbestos scare.

People face weeks of worry and upheaval after their housing association missed its deadline to end their nightmare.

As many as 60 homes in Allan Grove and Chambers Avenue in Romsey are involved in the investigation, revealed by the Daily Echo last week. They have also been told that the asbestos may be in their lofts and there are fears that fans sucking air from the loft spaces are blowing the fibres around the houses.

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Councillor Mark Cooper,who is backing the residents, has written to the chief executive of Testway Housing Association to demand answers.

He said: “It is quite clear to me resid e n t s received a letter stating that work would be done by S a t u r d ay, November 7.

“But there are signs of injustice that Testway is neither acting quickly enough or fairly enough.”

Mum of four Claire Holloway, 41, of Allan Grove, has already had specialists seal off and clear out her airing cupboard and her loft.

The family has lost sentimental gifts from deceased family members, clothes, suitcases, children’s toys and decorations.

She said: “We’ve heard nothing about when we will be compensated. It is absolutely awful.”

Husband Alan added: “The panel in our airing cupboard was broken and we have been using all the flannels, towels and bedding.

“Now this has all kicked off I am seriously concerned about our health.”

Neighbour Carol Whittaker, 40, has found a hole in her ceiling and chunks of asbestos broken into a storage cupboard below.

The area was sealed off last week but she has heard nothing since. The mother of five, said: “This nightmare is going to ruin our Christmas.

“I won’t be able to afford to go and buy new decorations let alone have the family over. It is just terrible.”

The asbestos investigation began when one man has been forced to live in a caravan on his driveway for four months after his home was sealed off and he claimed £40,000 of contaminated belongings were slung in a skip.

Workers ripped asbestos from Terry Barr’s airing cupboard thinking it was fibreboard and when dangerous levels of it were found in every room, his family’s possessions were thrown away.

The 42- year-old, of Allan Grove, has now received a £9,000 loan from the housing association while his insurance claim progresses.

He hopes to move back into his home before Christmas.

Testway Housing last night refused to comment on a timeframe when work would be complete or when the residents would be paid back for their dumped possessions claiming it is still being investigated.

Association operations director at Testway Housing, Julian Paine, said: “We’ve already removed asbestos from some homes.

“Where necessary the asbestos will be cleared from other homes as soon as possible.

But, in most cases two weeks notice has to be given before the work can be done.

“While we’re there,we’ll take out any asbestos in the roof space too.”