Authorities 'must be transparent' over toxic waste

It is believed that the clearing of Corby's steelworks in the 1980s caused birth defects in children

Families denied information over the UK's most high-profile toxic waste scandal should "feel their voices are heard", the health secretary has said.

Dozens of families, who suspect the clearing of Corby's steelworks in the 1980s is behind childhood cancers and birth defects in the area, asked North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) to reveal where toxic waste was buried.

After the council refused the request, Lee Barron, Labour MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire, called for more transparency during a Parliamentary debate on baby loss.

In a letter to Barron following his speech, Wes Streeting said authorities in Corby "must be transparent about the disposal of toxic water waste".

Martin Griffiths, Reform UK leader of the council, said he understood "people are worried about potentially contaminated land and want answers, particularly where land has subsequently been built on".

He added: "We will continue to review this and when this is concluded, will provide a further update.

"However, it is important to highlight that where potentially contaminated land has or is going to be developed, tight rules and procedures are applied to ensure that our residents' safety is protected."

In his speech on 13 October, Barron said he could not talk about baby loss "without raising the courage and determination of numerous families in Corby who continue to fight for answers".

At the time the council refused the request for toxic waste data, the authority said it "understands its obligation of transparency" but the weight of public interest "falls in favour of non-disclosure".

Acknowledging its response during his speech, Barron said if the council "continues to refuse to be transparent and honest, and to answer the families' questions" then he would "lead their calls for a public inquiry".

'Reflect carefully'

In his letter, which has been shared with families in Corby and seen by the BBC, Streeting said it was "vital public bodies are transparent and accountable in addressing matters of such significant public interest".

He said the issue was being considered by the local director of public health and the "department will reflect carefully on the findings".

After Corby's steelworks closed in 1980, millions of tonnes of contaminated waste was taken to Deene Quarry on the outskirts of town.

Eighteen families took Corby Borough Council to the High Court in 2009.

Mr Justice Akenhead ruled in their favour after the court was told the heavy metal cadmium was identified at the former steelworks, finding the council negligent in managing the waste.

Some families now believe the toxic waste clean-up could be responsible for childhood cancers, miscarriages and children born with limb deficiencies in the area.

The council says it is working with the NHS to get information about childhood cancer cases in the area.

The UK Health Security Agency says that recent research "suggested that exposure to cadmium in the general population, external may increase the risk of cancer of the endometrium, breast, testes, bladder, pancreas, and gall bladder".

Griffiths said the council would share these findings with residents and the wider public when it had "the outcomes".

"As council leader, I fully understand the strength of feeling that has been generated by the handling of the disposal of waste from the former British Steel site in Corby in the 1990s, as well as the legacy that this has created and concerns about health," he continued.

"Though the waste disposal from the steel works was overseen by Corby Borough Council decades ago, we recognise that today it's our duty to represent our residents. and I take this duty very seriously.

"We will continue to listen to the concerns of our residents and will consider any firm evidence that is brought forward.

"I will continue to have oversight and receive regular updates and when we have further information to share, we will do so."