Security shutters at the address were removed by council workmen today and the local authority confirmed Wallace is eligible to move back in.

Housing investigations officer Fiona Alder said, “The closure order for 25 Letham Terrace has expired and the keys are available for Scott Wallace to collect.”

At the time of The Tele going to press Wallace had yet to appear at his property.

The family of 99-year-old ex-serviceman Richard Martin, who lives in the flat below Wallace, made it clear they hope the 18-year-old stays away.

Mr Martin’s son, also Richard, said, “As far as I am aware Wallace is coming back and Fife Council seems determined to let him.

“That is bitterly disappointing for us as he was nothing but a nuisance to my father, who has been given a panic alarm by the police in case there’s any trouble.

“It has been reported that Wallace says he’s going to behave but those may just be words.

“They certainly won’t placate my father, who is adamant that he wants him out altogether.”

Neighbours delivered a mixed response when quizzed about Wallace’s possible reappearance.

Angela Robertson (19) said, “I think everything has been blown out of proportion.

“Scott is just a young laddie and you expect young laddies to misbehave sometimes.

“It wasn’t really fair on the old man below though and I suppose being kicked out might have taught Scott a lesson.”

Another local, a pensioner who asked not to be named, said, “It is not right for youngsters to cause old folk bother.

“The guy was lucky he didn’t get evicted permanently.

“He’s got a second chance and I hope he takes it.”

Fife Police superintendent Tony Fitzpatrick, the force’s anti-social behaviour co-ordinator, stressed that Wallace’s behaviour will be monitored and any appropriate action taken. He said, “The closure orders last for three months initially and are designed to give immediate respite care to people who have suffered considerably from a nuisance.

“We are addressing the problem in the longer term and in Scott Wallace’s case we have obtained an Anti-Social Behaviour Order which means if he creates a disturbance in his home, or anywhere else in Scotland for that matter, he will probably be arrested.

“Also, his tenancy has been downgraded to a short-term one.

“The tenancy must run for six months, after which time we will review the situation.

“Hopefully, Mr Wallace will have been an angel and his neighbours will have peace and quiet.

“Mr Wallace has demonstrated he can be of good behaviour over the past three months and I hope he will continue to show such discipline.

“However, if he has caused problems again then the option is there for Fife Council to remove his tenancy.

“If necessary we will also consider applying for a further closure order before a sheriff.

“The message is Fife Police and Fife Council are working together to ensure that neighbourhoods remain peaceful and will take action against troublemakers.”