A DETERMINED plumbing boss has moved to reconstruct his premises destroyed by an explosion last month.

Paul Robinson's Joshua Grimshaw Ltd, of Bank Top, Blackburn was left a pile of rubble after the 3am blast at the next door Heena Takeaway.

The building has now been bulldozed and an insurance claim submitted.

Mr Robinson has decided to rebuild the premises, with work starting in the next three to sixth months.

Since the blast the company has managed to fulfil its contracts and Mr Robinson is determined not to lose his business as well as his premises.

Nigel Corwin, of the Harris Claims Group PLC -- the loss assessors working for Mr Robinson, said: "The insurance claim is in process and he wishes to reinstate the property as quickly as possible.

"You are looking at hopefully three to six months. He is keeping up with his work because the majority is outside contracting and the building was there to be used as a base.

"So he is operating almost as much as he was prior to the blast.

"He is fully operational."

The firm was established at Bank Top in 1907 by Joshua Grimshaw. Mr Robinson's Dad, Thomas, was a worker at the firm and bought it in 1971.

It employees five people and works on contracts for schools and hospitals.

The restaurant owner Zaheer Ali, of Lancaster Place, Blackburn, has been charged with arson in connection with the explosion and faces a plea and directions hearing at Preston Crown Court on July 25.