its ok, i've found how to remove the top part of the cover by prising away the lugs at the top and removing the backing screws on the stainless steel portion. I've also managed to removed the control mudule where i saw a flash before the electric in the house was tripped. If this happens to you, don't try it again, just switch off and get the board out. I think it made matters worse by trying it again.
The control mudule has a part number of 5WK57651 and the circuit board 654201.21.01_b.
There is significant damage to one of the circuit boards around one of the relays. I am going to try and have this repaired.
Mark, November 2010