Families relieved council will look at toxic waste sites

Alison Gaffney and her husband Andy Hinde said the council's new working group showed "unity and commitment"

Families have said a council's commitment to finding areas where toxic waste could have been buried is a "great relief".

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

Senior leaders of the authority have agreed to set up a working group, which will include campaigner Alison Gaffney, to examine public health and contamination issues in the town.

Ms Gaffney and her husband, Andy Hinde, said: "Their attitude demonstrates a major step forward for both residents and the council. It is a significant show of unity and commitment."

Previously, families were denied a public speaking slot at a full council meeting due to legal concerns.

The town's toxic waste scandal was portrayed in a Netflix drama depicting the real-life battles of families in Corby whose children were born with defects.

Lee Barron, Labour MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire, and Health Secretary Wes Streeting are among those who have called for greater transparency.

North Northamptonshire Council says it is committed to "full transparency" over the historic issue of the clearing of the steelworks in the 1980s

Previously Ms Gaffney said there was an "absolute need" for Corby people to have answers.

Ms Gaffney, whose son developed a rare form of blood cancer at 17 months old, went on to collect information about 130 childhood cancer cases dating back to 1988.

The council has said it is committed to "full transparency" over the historic issue and will use data to explore and investigate where waste could potentially have been disposed of.

Ms Gaffney and Mr Hinde said: "We are encouraged by their pledge to listen and learn from our experiences in an effort to get to the bottom of this troubling issue.

"We look forward to working with them on the steps required to identify all sites of concern and to ensure appropriate testing takes place and the results and public.

"After all, it is in our interests that current residents and future generations are kept safe."

The Reform UK-controlled authority said it recognised the strength of feeling among residents.

Council leader Martin Griffiths said the authority had met Ms Gaffney and Mr Hinde to discuss their ongoing concerns.

"Everyone at the meeting agreed it marked the start of the parties' commitment to work together in an open, positive and constructive way for the benefit of Corby residents," he said.