More tests of 'Toxic Town' water needed - council

Further testing of water in a town where a toxic waste scandal happened has been called for by its town council.

Corby Town Council passed the motion after the charity Earthwatch Europe worked with volunteers in November to test 59 sites across Corby and found metals at levels that could pose a risk to aquatic life.

In the 1980s, when Corby's steelworks were cleared, toxic waste was moved through the town in uncovered lorries, which was believed to have caused birth defects.

The Environment Agency and North Northamptonshire Council have been approached for comment.

Testing was carried out after campaigners called for North Northamptonshire Council to reveal a list of sites where toxic waste was buried amid fears that industrial pollution had also caused childhood cancers.

The unitary authority had since agreed to set up a working group to examine public health and contamination issues in the town.

William Colquhoun, chairman of the town council's environment committee, said it was "not interested in political point-scoring".

"Our focus is on ensuring residents have clear information and that responsible authorities fulfil their duties.

"We will support and, where necessary, hold to account those with statutory responsibility for environmental matters in our town."

The town council passed a motion to support campaigners and asked for North Northants Council to carry out and pay for more tests.

It said the findings had "generated local concern" and had shown that further sampling "would be beneficial to strengthen the evidence base and better understand any emerging trends".

In 1980, millions of tonnes of contaminated waste were moved to Deene Quarry on the outskirts of Corby during the steelworks clearance.

In 2009, 18 families took Corby Borough Council to the High Court.

Justice Akenhead ruled in their favour after hearing the heavy metal cadmium had been identified at the former steelworks and found the borough council had been negligent in managing the waste.

The borough council was abolished in 2021 during local government restructuring and its responsibilities were taken over by North Northamptonshire Council.

The newer council previously said it "recognises the understandable strength of feeling amongst the residents of Corby in relation to the historic and emotive issue of contaminated land".

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