Key Highlights
- Childhood cancer rates not higher in Corby than average according to local council reports.
- Families doubt the authenticity of findings and believe more areas are affected by pollution.
- The former steelworks site is suspected to have caused birth defects and childhood cancers.
- Council and public health director acknowledge families’ concerns but insist data does not support higher rates.
Corby’s Toxic Legacy: Childhood Cancer Rates Remain Unchanged?
The town of Corby in Northamptonshire, once the center of a high-profile toxic waste scandal, has seen its childhood cancer rates examined closely. According to reports from North Northamptonshire Council, there is no evidence that these rates are higher than the national average. Yet, for many residents, especially those with children diagnosed with cancer, this conclusion rings hollow.
The Background
The former steelworks site in Corby has been a source of controversy since its closure in 1980. Millions of tonnes of contaminated waste were taken to Deene Quarry on the outskirts of town. Local families have long suspected that pollution from this site is behind an uptick in childhood cancers and other health issues.
The Council’s Response
In a bid to address these concerns, the council commissioned two independent analyses. The first used official data based on where people aged 0-19 lived when they received hospital care between 2015 and 2025. The second study by the National Disease Registration Service utilized data from where someone lived when their cancer was first reported between 2013 and 2022, considered the most “complete and accurate” source.
A Skeptical Community
The findings have not silenced the voices of those who believe otherwise. Parents like Alison Gaffney and Andy Hinde are unimpressed by the reports. They argue that the council’s investigation is too narrow and does not address suspected areas of higher risk within Corby.
The Broader Context
The struggle for justice in Corby extends beyond just childhood cancers. The Netflix drama, Toxic Town, released last year, highlighted the challenges faced by families whose children were born with defects due to pollution from the former steelworks site. A 2009 High Court case ruled that the council was negligent in managing this waste.
Unresolved Concerns and Future Steps
While the council insists on the reliability of their data, critics like Tracey Taylor, a local campaigner whose daughter died at four days old, are unconvinced. “The fight still goes on for a public inquiry,” she asserts. “Childcare cancer is just part of it.”
Solicitor Des Collins adds, “Sadly, the council’s analysis is fatally flawed.” He believes that without examining all potential areas of contamination, the reports fail to provide the full picture.
A Resilient Community
Despite the council’s assurances and the latest findings, many in Corby remain unconvinced. The community continues its fight for a more thorough investigation into the long-term health impacts of their town’s toxic past.
