Corby settles long-standing injury claim over former steelworks clean-up, but refuses to accept liability

Corby Borough Council has settled a long-running claim for compensation on behalf of 19 children and young people  who say they were born with deformities due to the council's failure to remove toxins from the site of a former steelworks which was subsequently turned into a housing estate.

The settlement comes despite the council winning leave to appeal against a High Court decision last year that the council had been negligent in failing to adequately clean up the former British Steel plant in the 1980s and 1990s, with the result that dangerous toxins were released into the air.

In a binding agreement, the council has agreed to withdraw its appeal and pay compensation to the young people affected, ending a legal battle which has lasted for 11 years. However, it has refused to accept liability for the incidents and the sums paid to the victims will remain confidential.

Following the High Court decision in July 2009, the council adopted a “twin-track” approach to the case, applying for leave to appeal at the same time as entering into mediation with the claimants and their families. The council told Local Government Lawyer: “It has always been the Council's intention to mediate. This decision was agreed in a Special Full Council meeting on 18th August 2009.”

In a statement to the media, the chief executive of Corby Borough Council Chris Mallender said: “The Council recognises that it made mistakes in its clean-up of the former British Steel site years ago and extends its deepest sympathy to the children and their families.

“Although I accept that money cannot properly compensate these young people for their disabilities and for all that they have suffered to date and their problems in the future, the Council sincerely hope that this apology coupled with today’s agreement will mean that they can now put their legal battle behind them and proceed with their lives with a greater degree of financial certainty.”

Des Collins, the solicitor for the group of claimants said: “My clients live with the daily reminder of the sub-standard clean-up of the former British Steel plant in Corby. Of course, no financial sum can properly compensate for their lifelong deformities and disabilities. However, they are relieved that their long battle is now over.

“Today’s agreement recognises the many years of emotional and physical suffering the 19 families have endured and will continue to endure. It marks the end of an arduous 11 year legal challenge and removes the prospect of further litigation. Importantly it also provides a financial award which will help towards the healthcare costs and loss of earnings they will inevitably face in the future. I pay tribute to the immense determination and spirit of the Corby children and their families have shown to secure the outcome we have today. The families are grateful for the apology and expression of good wishes from Mr Mallender.”