THE Health and Safety Executive confirmed it is taking no enforcement action following an investigation into a gas explosion at a Gwent petrol station.

In October a blast ripped through the Sainsbury's garage in Llewelyn Road, Cwmbran, blowing two workers of their feet.

One of those involved, Dave Warrender, 56, from Thornhill, suffered badly injured hands and extensive burns to his body and face. His clothes were melted to his body during the blast.

Mr Warrender, of Bagley Court, has not yet been able to return to work. His colleague, Pat Meredith, 45, of Dingle Lane, Pontnewydd, finally returned to work last week after three months.

The explosion was found to be caused by a gas escaping from a fractured pipe in Llewelyn Road.

Today the Health and Safety Executive said a joint investigation with Wales and West Utilities - the firm responsible for maintaining the pipe - was now complete.

A spokesman said: "We can confirm the Health and Safety Executive carried out an investigation with Wales and West Utilities and that the decision was that no enforcement action would be taken against the company.

"Our findings were that there was nothing the company could have done to prevent this incident."

A spokeswoman for Wales and West Utilities said: "An investigation is now completed, however, in the event that claims may be received we cannot at this time make any further comment."

Mr Warrender said he was not surprised by the outcome of the investigation but that he was still hoping to secure compensation over the incident.

He said: "It's not so much about the money, it's more about when I can start getting on with my life. I'm still undergoing physiotherapy on my hands and having counselling because of the psychological effect it has had on me."