Years later, concerns arose when mothers living near the reclamation site gave birth to children with upper limb deformities.

A 1999 Northamptonshire Health Authority study found no unusual cluster of birth defects.

However, solicitor Des Collins, after reading about the cases, conducted his own investigation, revealing birth defects in Corby were three times higher than in the surrounding area.

Mr Collins assembled a team of experts, including toxicologists and pollution specialists, to argue that the council’s mismanagement of toxic waste had spread contaminated dust throughout the town.

The heavy metal cadmium was identified on the former steel site, and a medical expert cited research linking it to birth defects in animals.

After a three-month civil court hearing, Justice Akenhead ruled in favour of the claimants, marking the first time a UK court recognised airborne pollutants harming unborn babies.

Corby Borough Council disputed the verdict and prepared an appeal, but reached a private settlement with the families in 2010.

The local authority no longer exists, having been replaced by the North Northamptonshire unitary council in April 2021.

The case remains a landmark ruling in environmental justice.