Netflix is set to release its much-anticipated drama, Toxic Town, on February 27, 2025, capturing one of the UK's most significant environmental scandals: the Corby poisonings. The series dramatizes the heart-wrenching conflict endured by families who fought tirelessly against their local council after their children were born with severe birth defects.
Written by acclaimed playwright Jack Thorne, known for his work on Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Toxic Town focuses on the struggles of mothers from Corby, Northamptonshire, who became advocates for justice. Their fight arose from concerns linked to the steelworks cleanup operations, where toxic waste was mishandled, leading to devastating health consequences for their children.
Among the cast, former Doctor Who star Jodie Whittaker leads as Susan McIntyre, alongside Robert Carlyle, playing whistleblower Sam Hagen. Their portrayals bring emotional depth to the narrative, reminding audiences of the real-life mothers who spearheaded this justice movement. Carlyle's character, Hagen, served as one of the most vocal advocates against the negligent actions of the Corby Borough Council during the cleanup process.
The visual impact of the series is enhanced by its filming locations, primarily conducted in the Bolton area, with significant scenes also set against the backdrop of Corby itself. Filming began in late 2023, incorporating the picturesque scenes within the town and adding authenticity to the dramatic retelling.
The origins of the Corby poisoning scandal can be traced back to the 1980s when the local council began the reclamation of land from the defunct steelworks. Waste materials, including toxic dust and heavy metals, were transported through residential areas, leading to serious environmental concerns among locals. Families began noticing alarming patterns: higher rates of limb defects were reported among children, leading to suspicions about the materials being disturbed during the cleanup.
A study revealed the rate of birth defects, such as missing or malformed fingers, among Corby children was approximately three times higher than those born outside the area. Parents, like Susan McIntyre, launched legal action against the council, believing strongly their children's health problems were rooted in the council's negligence during reclamation efforts.
On July 29, 2009, after nearly ten years of litigation, the High Court ruled the Corby Borough Council was negligent. The judge highlighted how the cleanup had been poorly managed, allowing toxic substances to permeate public areas. Justice Akenhead's verdict revealed, “The contaminates could realistically have caused the types of birth defects of which complaint has been made by the claimants.” This decision marked a significant milestone for the families, who had fought relentlessly for recognition and accountability.
The case also encapsulates the resilience of the community. Mandy Wright, whose son Curtis was born with significant limb differences, articulated the sentiments echoed among the parents: “We didn’t want this to happen to anyone else.” Her determination was mirrored across the group of mothers who collectively persevered through years of legal struggles against indifference from local authorities.
Despite initial denials and attempts at obfuscation from the Corby Borough Council, including accusations of negligence, the ruling not only validated the concerns of the families but also acknowledged the negligence of the council’s practices. Following the verdict, the council settled with 19 families, recognizing the suffering caused by their lack of action and the mishandling of toxic materials.
Now, Toxic Town serves to bring this story back to focus, utilizing the format of drama to educate wider audiences on the importance of environmental justice. “It’s not just about the legal victories, it’s about the human stories at the center of these tragic developments,” said Thorne, reflecting on the motivation behind the script.
With anticipation building around the series, Netflix has shared trailers and early looks, demonstrating the emotional and historical weight of the story. This drama is more than entertainment; it’s pivotal to recognizing the enduring effects of industrial negligence.
The challenge remains for many communities, like Corby, to drive change and hold responsible parties accountable for their actions. The fight for justice for the children of Corby continues, and Toxic Town aims to keep their stories alive, reminding viewers of the real-world consequences of environmental mismanagement.
Overall, Toxic Town is poised to be not only a thought-provoking series but also a renewed call to action to maintain environmental awareness and safeguard public health.