Residents within a kilometer of the AGC Chemicals Europe factory in Thornton-Cleveleys have found themselves starring in a real-life environmental drama that's quickly becoming a national scandal. In 2024, the UK Environment Agency and local authority launched an investigation into historic emissions of Pfoa - a carcinogenic 'forever chemical' linked to kidney cancer - from the factory. After environmental testing, residents have been advised to wash and peel homegrown food and avoid locally produced eggs. Two allotment sites near the factory have been closed. So much for farm-to-table living.