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Birth defects - families to sue council - 01/02/02
Corby Evening Telegraph
Parents of children born with limb deformities have taken the first steps in
their legal battle against a council to prove the disabilities are linked to
toxic waste. Solicitors revealed today they had informed Corby Council they had
prepared writs on behalf of either youngster. They said up to another 30 cases
were pending.
This is the start of legal action which the families hope could see a total of up to £3m paid out in compensation. Joy Shatford, whose son Daniel four, was born with fingers missing from his left hand, said 'I want Corby Council to publicly apologise for the suffering we have had to go through'.
Fears about he effects of toxic waste on health in Corby were first raised in April 1999, and since then Collins' Solicitors of Watford, has been investigating the cause of the deformities.
Senior partner Des Collins said that if the council did not admit liability then the families would have no alternative but to take legal action.
He said: 'We believe we have conclusive evidence of a link between toxic waste and birth defects'. Detailed investigation has revealed earlier concerns over the control and management of contaminated waste within the Corby area have been fully justified. Mr Collins said the firm's research had centred primarily on Deene Quarry, off Gretton Brook Road and Soothill off Geddington Road and Willow Brook North to the north of Steel Road.
Had also been investigated.
He would not reveal the specific findings of the investigation but said the firm had come to the conclusion that Corby Council was liable in law.
He said: 'We will not rule out the possibility of discussion or agreement with regard to these claims but it is essential that early progress is made if the children's interests are to be properly secured'. Corby Council said it was consulting its insurance advisors and would respond to Collins' within 21 days. Council communications officer Jon Whowell said the authority would not make any comment on the issue raised by Collins' for legal reasons. |
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