Newcastle Councillor Cops Fine after Trying to Dump Asbestos

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Newcastle councillor, Allan Robinson has got off lightly after failing to register a load of asbestos waste to the Environment Protection Authority (EPA).

The EPA fined Councillor Robinson $750 for transporting 640 kilograms of asbestos waste from a demolition site in Elermore Vale to Raymond Terrace - it's a requirement in NSW that any asbestos load weighing more than 100 kilograms is registered on the EPA's WasteLocate system.

The WasteLocate online system enables the EPA to monitor the waste's lawful disposal. It helps the environment watchdog track loads of asbestos that pose potential risks to the community and the environment.

The maximum penalty for not registering asbestos dumps with the EPA is $11,000 for an individual and up to $22,000 for a company.

Newcastle Councillor Allan Robinson Picture smh.com.au

Man Attacked During Terrifying Random Home Invasion At Elermore Vale

BY IAN CROUCH

A couple have endured a frightening home invasion at Elermore Vale overnight.

The 63-year-old man and 61-year-old woman were asleep in their Orion Close home at about 11.00pm when they were woken by noises inside the house.

Inspector Michael Gorman says four unknown men then forced the bedroom door open and started attacking the man as he lay in bed.

"...one of whom we believe had some sort of weapon, possible a bat. The males have then run out of the premises and taken some electrical items with them when they've gone," he said.

The 63-year-old was taken to the John Hunter Hospital where he is being treated for facial bruising and possible facial fractures.

Double Whammy Of Disaster For Elermore Vale Resident

BY IAN CROUCH

Just days after water from a burst high pressure main flooded homes at Elermore Vale,  one resident has been left homeless after a devastating fire.

Fire crews from Cardiff, Lambton and Mayfield West were called to the single level townhouse on Taurus Street at about 4.30pm on Monday to find the villa well alight.

It's taken them about an hour to douse the flames which caused extensive damage to the townhouse.

The cause of the fire is not known at this stage.

Elermore Vale Residents Describe The Frightening Ordeal As Their Homes Are Flooded

BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter Water is working with Elermore Vale residents to help get them back in their homes after more than a dozen townhouses were inundated by a torrent of water early Friday morning.

About 15 villas in a townhouse complex on Taurus Street were swamped by a metre of water when a 50 millimetre water main burst just before 4.00am.

The force of the waist-high water smashed a window in one of the units, with one resident describing being woken by a loud bang before rushing to help her neighbours with young babies to flee their homes.

Hunter Water says the same unit block flooded in 2010 when a water main burst and they'll be carrying out an examination of the system to see what can be done to prevent breaks in the future.

Water Inundates Homes In Taurus Street. Picture Triple M

The Torrent Of Water Sweeps Through One Of The Units Picture: Triple M

Man to Face Court After Elermore Vale Robbery

BY GEORGIA LUPTON

A man is expected to face Newcastle Local Court today following an aggravated robbery in Elermore Vale.

At around 3:30 Tuesday morning, a woman left her house on Croudace Road, where she was allegedly approached by the 35 year old offender.

The man allegedly threatened the woman, demanding the keys to her car before hitting her over the face with a small metal object.

The woman is believed to have handed over the keys, with the man allegedly fleeing the scene.

Police officers from Newcastle City Local Area Command investigated the incident and located the car.

Inquiries lead officers to Michael Street, Jesmond, where the man was arrested just before midday yesterday.

He was arrested and taken to Waratah Police Station where he was charged with aggravated robbery.

He was refused bail.

Police Officer Injured During Teen Arrest At Elermore Vale

BY IAN CROUCH

A teenager has been bitten by a police dog after he allegedly broke a police officer's thumb at Elermore Vale.

Officers were called to reports a teenager was intimidating the occupants of a home on Cambronne Parade yesterday afternoon and causing damage to the premises.

An acting sergeant tried to arrest the 17-year-old boy but the teenager allegedly lashed out, pushing him into a parked car and hitting him in the chest.
The officer deployed capsicum spray and the boy fled before being tracked down by the police dog and arrested.

He suffered a bite wound to the arm during the arrest and was taken under police guard to the John Hunter Hospital for treatment.

The boy was later charged with malicious damage, intimidation, assault police, resist arrest and escape lawful custody - he's expected to have a bedside bail hearing today.

The injured acting sergeant is not expected to return to full duties for several weeks. 

Police Investigate Suspcious Car Fire At Elermore Vale

BY IAN CROUCH

 Investigations continue into a suspicious car fire at Elermore Vale.

Firefighters arrived at the shopping centre on Croudace Road at about 3 this morning to find the vehicle up in flames in the rear loading dock.

Police say the car didn't have number plates and they'll be checking to see if there's any CCTV footage of the incident.

In the meantime, they're appealing for anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.