FIFE COUNCIL have been dealing with "five times the normal volume of calls" to their emergency out-of-hours line.

Diarmuid Cotter, head of customer and online services, says the rise has been down largely to cold weather, with temperatures dropping below freezing this week.

The authority took to social media on Tuesday to remind residents that the service should only be used if there is "danger to someone's health and safety".

Mr Cotter said: "I’d like to apologise to anyone who’s been trying to contact us on our emergency out-of-hours line. We’ve been dealing with five times the normal volume of calls which are mostly related to the current cold weather.

"We have increased the number of call-handlers but even with more staff we’re still unable to answer all calls as quickly as we’d like.

"If you can, please use our online form to report issues, including emergency housing repairs, at www.fife.gov.uk/reportit

"By doing this, it means people who aren’t able to get online, and need urgent help, can get through to us."

Non-emergency repairs can also be reported via the Fife Council website.