A new television series, Toxic Town, sheds light on one of the biggest environmental scandals in the UK – the Corby toxic waste case. The Netflix drama narrates the struggles of families seeking justice after several children in the Northamptonshire town were born with birth defects, suspected to be a result of industrial pollution. The emergence of the issue dates back to the 1930s when Corby witnessed a boom in its steel and iron industry, predominantly due to the construction of Stewarts and Lloyds steelworks. This growth continued until the 1980s when the steelworks shut down, leading to mismanaged toxic waste disposal from the demolition process, causing widespread contamination.
Following a prolonged legal battle, the High Court ruled against Corby Borough Council in 2009, holding them accountable for the negligent handling of waste. The affected families eventually received an undisclosed financial settlement in 2010, which was kept in trust until the children reached 18 years of age. Alongside the show, a podcast series by BBC Radio Northampton explores the actual events in depth, utilizing original court records and newly discovered documents. George Taylor, 32, who was born with an upper limb defect related to the case, hosts the podcast, featuring firsthand accounts and interviews of those directly impacted.
George Angus Taylor, born in 1992 in Corby to Fiona and Brian Taylor, plays a crucial part in narrating the podcast series. Brian, who worked at Stewart and Lloyds, was constantly exposed to dust and debris, a major factor in George’s birth defects. Fiona recalls the traumatic experience of George’s birth when she noticed abnormalities in his hands, prompting feelings of self-blame. The podcast delves into George’s life, including a significant surgery at 14 years old to remove a tumour, which posed a risk of amputation. Despite the challenges, George remains resilient, aiming to move forward positively. Moreover, George’s situation is not unique, with several other children in Corby affected by similar conditions.
Lisa Atkinson, another individual affected by the Corby toxic waste case, comes into the spotlight for sharing her story. As a security guard at Corby steel mills, her tasks included outdoor patrols and handling dust that settled on surfaces around the facility. Following her exposure, her daughter Simone was born with only three fingers, a direct consequence of the environmental hazards at the steelworks. Lisa’s personal account adds to the stories of numerous families impacted by the environmental disaster in Corby
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