Is “Toxic Town” on Netflix a True Story? Corby Toxic Waste Case Explanation

Netflix’s latest release, Toxic Town, is now available for streaming and is creating quite a buzz. The miniseries delves into the lives of three mothers in a small British town, played by talented actors Jodie Whittaker, Aimee Lou Wood, and Claudia Jessie, as they navigate the challenges of raising children born with birth defects. Missing fingers and clubbed feet are just a couple of the issues facing these families, all of whom live in the steel town of Corby.

Directed by Minkie Spiro and written by Jack Thorne, Toxic Town sheds light on a real-life incident known as the Corby poisonings. This poignant story highlights the legal battle these families endured against the Corby borough council, holding them accountable for the mishandling of toxic waste that led to the children’s disabilities.

While Thorne initially had no knowledge of the case, delving deeper into the realities of the situation was an eye-opening experience for him. The journey of these families to seek justice and prove their case is both surprising and shocking.

Yes, Toxic Town is based on a true story—the Corby poisonings that took place in the U.K. in the 1980s and 1990s. After the closure of a steelworks site, the improper disposal of toxic waste led to several children being born with limb deformities, sparking a legal battle that would span decades.

Corby, once a thriving steel-making hub, faced a decline in the industry in the 1980s, eventually leading to the shutdown of the site. The cleanup efforts, overseen by the local council, resulted in the transport of toxic waste to nearby locations, causing a range of health issues for the residents.

The mothers involved in the class action lawsuit against the council found each other through shared experiences and the media coverage of the steelworks’ redevelopment. Their testimonies in court shed light on the impact of the toxic waste on their pregnancies and ultimately led to a decade-long legal battle.

Toxic Town on Netflix is a powerful portrayal of a real-life tragedy that affected the lives of many families. The courageous journey of these mothers is a stark reminder of the importance of environmental responsibility and the fight for justice.