THERE can be few things more terrifying than the idea that your home could suddenly be ripped apart by a gas explosion.

The gas blast in Standen Road, Clitheroe, on Easter Monday that led to the death of nine-year-old Andrew Marsden and left his brother Stephen, six, and his parents John and Lynn in hospital, was a horrifying event.

The tragedy that devastated a family and wrecked their home has left a whole community worried and in shock.

People living in the area have expressed their concerns and many of them claim they were able to smell gas before the explosion occurred.

Transco, the organisation responsible for the supply system, have responded by sending out letters telling residents that work is being carried out including the monitoring of gas pipes in the area. They are also trying to pinpoint exactly why the explosion happened.

The letter extends sympathies to the Marsden family and goes on to urge anyone who thinks they can smell gas to call Transco's free 24-hour emergency service.

Not surprisingly, families in the neighbourhood have been calling for a face-to-face meeting with Transco to seek reassurances.

But Transco's response has been to say that until an investigation involving them, the council and the Health and Safety Executive is complete, it would not be "appropriate" to hold a public meeting.

Ribble Valley Council's chief executive, Mr David Morris, has offered to hold such a meeting at the town hall and says some residents "feel frustrated they are not getting the answers they want."

He politely says it is "admirable" that they have sent out the letter but adds: "It is clear they want a public meeting to allay their fears."

Absolutely right. Transco should meet residents now to reassure them that massive efforts are being made to ensure that there is no risk of a repeat of what happened to the Marsden family.