Malmesbury town councillor Patrick Goldstone is frustrated that no company is being brought to book over the gas explosion.

He says it will send out the message that companies can get away with "inconsistent" checks without fear of prosecution.

His fears come as residents express their concerns over exposed gas pipes - just metres from the site of the original explosion.

Coun Goldstone, who lives just 12 doors down from the site of the explosion, said: "I was there when it happened. I jumped up in the air when it went boom.' "Three people were made homeless and there was genuine devastation.

"I'm really disappointed that this doesn't seem to have been taken into account.

"I'm just utterly amazed that any systems that they have in operation don't seem to work.

"It really worries me with ongoing works in the area that we have three different companies involved, none of whom say it's their fault. It's absurd.

"Insurance does not even start to cover it. At the end of the day, we have a woman who has had to move from Malmesbury because of the explosion.

"I think somebody should be accountable for the trauma that these three people have been through."

Jacqueline Smith, who lives opposite the site of the explosion, remains concerned about the safety of gas pipes in the street.

She said: "Five weeks ago workmen started digging outside my house to repair some pipe damage.

"There is now a massive hole outside my house and you can see an exposed gas pipe.

"It makes me really jumpy after what happened across the road.

"You can't escape the damage that has been done and the last thing anyone wants is to see it happen again."

The Health and Safety Executive revealed yesterday there will be no criminal charges brought against Wales and West Utilities or sub contractors Chippenham company Avent Engineering.

Wales and West Utilities admitted its system for recording pipe pressure tests was "inconsistent."

A spokesman said: "The company accepts that the requirement to receive records of pressure tests is our responsibility and we have agreed actions with the executive to address this."

Engineering company Avent, whose staff were working on the site for Wales and West Utilities, confirmed the employees fitting the gas pipes no longer worked for them.

Managing director Michael Snee said: "We have agreed actions with the Health & Safety Executive to address audit and roles and responsibilities in regard to this issue."