Corby toxic waste scandal: Council denies higher childhood cancer rates
Families claim the investigation findings are misleading.
Last updated 30th Jan 2026
Parents in Corby are calling for a public inquiry after North Northamptonshire Council released a report concluding that the town's childhood cancer rates are not higher than average, a finding they claim is based on flawed data.
The analysis focused on historical industrial activity, including the former steelworks and waste disposal at Deene Quarry, which are alleged to be linked to health concerns.
The council has stated that independent reviews show childhood cancer rates in Corby are not elevated, but families affected by cancer believe the investigation failed to address wider issues in the town.
Alison Gaffney and Andy Hinde, whose nine-year-old son Fraser was diagnosed with cancer at 17 months, have criticised the report as insufficient and demanded further action.
The couple said: “Have the children and people of Corby not suffered enough? We've been patient and given the local authority plenty of time to come clean – but they have chosen not to do so.
“A small-scale look around Deene Quarry is not going to identify widespread problems that we know exist. Our own efforts have uncovered several other at-risk areas which have not been examined by the council, according to this report.
“We asked for cancer diagnoses data for zero to 24-year-olds from the time of the reclamation to date, but today's report doesn't cover even half of this request, so is clearly not a true representation of the Corby childhood cancer cases that exist.”
Des Collins, a solicitor representing families with health concerns in the area, also criticised the scope of the council’s investigation, describing it as incomplete and misleading.
He said: “The strong and determined Corby community won't be taken for fools. They know there's a damaging health issue across the town, and possibly beyond, and recognise it is now likely to require a public inquiry to expose it.
“Frankly, the council's obstinacy is a shocking dereliction of duty and cruelly dismissive of the valid concerns of people it is supposed to serve.”
Concern over toxic waste in the area was widely publicised last year following the Netflix drama Toxic Town, which depicted the stories of children born with defects in Corby. The series explored the events leading to a 2009 High Court case in which Corby Borough Council was found to have been negligent in its handling of waste from the former steelworks site.
Jane Bethea, director of public health for North Northamptonshire Council, said the investigation into childhood cancer rates was handled with sensitivity and professionalism.
She said: “We approached this analysis with seriousness and sensitivity, ensuring the most robust methods were used and that the work was independently reviewed.
“The findings provide reassurance that childhood cancer rates in Corby are not higher than expected.
“However, we recognise the courage it takes for families affected by cancer to share their experiences, and we remain committed to listening, learning and acting on future concerns that may fall within the remit of the council.”
Councillor Martin Griffiths, leader of North Northamptonshire Council, said the findings represented collaboration between the council, NHS, and other agencies, adding:
“These findings will be reassuring for many, and we will continue to be open with our residents and responsive to their concerns.”
Despite the assurances, families and campaigners remain determined to push for a full inquiry into the alleged health impact on Corby’s local community.