Story perspectives

Corby Groundwater Nickel, Cadmium Rise; Cancer Doubles, Council Denies Risk

6/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

Earthwatch’s November groundwater testing found elevated nickel and cadmium at 59 Corby sites.
North Northamptonshire Council says there is no elevated risk despite about 150 families linking the steelworks waste to their children’s cancers.
Freedom of Information data show ten cancer diagnoses in 2025 within two postcodes, about 2.6 times the national expectation for Corby.
Parents have done independent groundwater tests and asked Prime Minister Keir Starmer for a government inquiry.

1 of 1

Story summary

Earthwatch’s November groundwater testing found elevated nickel and cadmium at 59 Corby sites.
North Northamptonshire Council says there is no elevated risk despite about 150 families linking the steelworks waste to their children’s cancers.
Freedom of Information data show ten cancer diagnoses in 2025 within two postcodes, about 2.6 times the national expectation for Corby.
Parents have done independent groundwater tests and asked Prime Minister Keir Starmer for a government inquiry.