'Toxic town' parents call for public inquiry
LDRSParents concerned about cancer rates in children brought up in an area dubbed "toxic town" protested outside a council building, calling for more transparency.
Dust from work to dismantle the former steelworks in Corby, Northamptonshire, is believed to have caused birth defects and many families suspect pollution is behind childhood cancers.
A number of families gathered outside North Northamptonshire's Corby headquarters on Thursday calling for a public inquiry to clarify the situation.
The council said it was not the direct route to request an inquiry, but individuals or groups could lobby the government.
Alison Gaffney, a Corby mother whose son Fraser was diagnosed with leukaemia at 17 months old, has led the group's search for answers and been in contact with dozens of local families whose children have developed cancer, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
"We need a public inquiry to find out the problems so they can be fixed and prevent more cases. We can't change what has happened to us, but we can try and protect the future children in this town," she said.
"There needs to be a complete investigation into this and there needs to be transparency."
The council released the findings of a public health report in January which found that childhood cancer rates in Corby were no higher than in other areas, but a number of parents have disputed the investigation and continue on their own search for information.
Asked about the demands by parents, a council spokesperson said: "The council is not the direct route for the public to request or lobby for public inquiry.
"Certain criteria need to be met for the government to consider a public inquiry. On balance, given the information available to us, we do not believe that the criteria has been met.
"This does not prevent individuals lobbying ministers of government."
Do you have a story suggestion for Northamptonshire? Contact us below.
Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.