Belongings were removed from the flats and incinerated after the potentially dangerous fibres were found by contractors.

Furniture and fittings have now been replaced by Doncaster Council but residents upset at the disruption and how the emergency was handled are unhappy with the offer and are seeking "adequate" compensation.

Twenty-two of the 36 people who were evacuated from the flats complex in The Crescent, Woodlands, a month ago have set up the Woodlands Asbestos Group.

Solicitor Andrew Isaacs, who is representing the group, said that the goodwill gesture, which also included supermarket vouchers, was inadequate in view of the stress the residents, some of whom are in their 80s and 90s, have suffered.

Mr Isaacs said: "We are talking about people's lives being thrown away and incinerated.

"These people have the right to live peacefully. It is distressing that this is still ongoing for people who are in their twilight years.

"These are exceptional circumstances and require exceptional procedures."

Residents were moved out of - some with just a few minutes' notice - when the soffitts above two properties were damaged as windows were being replaced, exposing asbestos. Tests showed there were no airborne fibres but checks revealed fibres of both brown and white asbestos in the fixtures of six flats.

Beryl, 66, and Robert Maddison, 77, who moved back into their home last week, said that the experience has left them feeling stressed and unwell, a feeling that was heightened when they found out that many of their appliances had been taken.

Mr Maddison, an ex-miner said: "We didn't have time to get our stuff together. I don't like it - they've taken things that shouldn't have been taken."

However, a Doncaster Council spokesman said that the disposal of the appliances was necessary to safeguard the residents and insisted that all of the Maddison's appliances, including their television, dining chairs and bed, had since been replaced.

But Valerie Richardson, the daughter of 86-year-old Minnie Roberts, one of the residents seeking compensation said: "They are due a proper explanation and an apology for how badly it was handled initially. She was given ten minutes to get her stuff out, it was quite upsetting."

Eighty-two-year-old Beryl Arnold who has just moved back to her home and has not had any of her belongings removed said: "It's difficult because all you want to do is come home but the council have been good, they've come most days to see if we have clothes and everything we need."

A statement from mayor Martin Winter said: "We continue to provide 24 hour help and support to make everyone's move back home as easy as possible.