A SIGN warning people not to abuse staff working at public tips has been stolen less than 24 hours after it was erected.

The notice was removed from the civic amenity site at Clifton where a Bolton man was almost beaten to death six months ago.

Richard Lee, aged 54, is still recovering from his ordeal after laying in a coma for weeks.

Waste disposal bosses in Greater Manchester said they were disappointed by news the notice, which had been put up by Bolton-based firm GM Waste, had been removed at the Lumns Lane tip.

The move was part of plans to protect staff at the sites after a number of incidents.

Measures could include the use of additional CCtv facilities, possibly linking to existing council and police systems.

Cllr Neil Swannick, chairman of the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority, said: "Consideration has been given to recent incidents and we take the well-being of our employees very seriously.

"On no account will verbal or physical abuse be tolerated and any person found carrying out such acts will be prosecuted ."

Further measures will be be discussed by GM Waste in early October and by the authority at its meeting on October 19.

A review of all the sites in Greater Manchester starts this month and the authority is hoping that it will address problems such as the abuse of the free service by traders and 'rooters' who comb the waste for resalable items.

Scott Dyson, aged 25, of Agecroft, has been charged with attempted murder following the attack on Mr Lee.