Ref. 30150-50PAUL Hebden will tomorrow discover whether his house can be salvaged after it was ripped apart in a massive gas explosion.

A structural engineer is due to inspect his home in Beechcroft Road, Upper Stratton, in the afternoon to decide if it needs to be demolished.

Mr Hebden, 40, is still recovering from shock after his semi-detached house exploded on Thursday morning.

But he hopes the house will be knocked down because it brings back such awful memories.

He said: "I would prefer it being demolished because of the memories that would always be at the back of my mind.

"A fresh start is the best way forward."

Mr Hebden spent the bank holiday weekend in Fir Tree Lodge guesthouse, in Highworth Road. He had previously been sleeping on the sofa at his mother Rita's house, in Lytchett Way, Nythe.

Although his parents have been to the devastated property, Mr Hebden has yet to return since he first saw the results of the blast, which happened at about 8.30am.

Having contacted his insurers, Mr Hebden has been given an allowance to buy living essentials.

Mr Hebden said: "I literally have to rebuild my life from scratch. The wheels are in motion and I have bought a new toothbrush."

This week he also intends to pluck up the courage to visit his home, which is fenced off for safety reasons.

Builders were in the house next door working on a boiler at the time of the explosion, but no one was injured.

Firecrews tackled a fire and searched the house in case anyone was trapped inside.

It is thought the explosion may have been triggered when one of the workmen switched on an electric light.

The building was in danger of falling down but has since been made safe.

Had Mr Hebden not left for work early, he may not have had such a lucky escape.

He said: "I still can't quite believe it. But family and friends are being very supportive, so I'm feeling OK considering the circumstances."

Swindon Council contractors attended the scene to remove structurally unsound parts of the house. Homes on either side were evacuated on Friday.

Transco engineers have turned off the gas for the two affected homes and an investigation has begun.

Victoria Tagg