| | | Lee Rigby's unofficial memorial taken down for looking 'unsightly'
thesun.co.uk
'THIS IS DISGUSTING'
By Sam Christie
18th January 2018, 12:44 pm
Updated: 19th January 2018, 6:25 pm
A MEMORIAL to murdered soldier Lee Rigby has been taken down for looking "unsightly".
The shrine was set up outside the Royal Artillery barracks where Lee, 25, was killed in Woolwich, South East London.
 Greenwich council has taken down the unofficial memorial for Lee Rigby in Woolwich, South East LondonSt George's and Union Jack flags along with banners and wreaths with heartfelt messages were tied to railings in tribute to Fusilier Rigby.
But Greenwich council stepped into remove the unofficial memorial yesterday following complaints from residents.
The local authority confirmed the move came after discussions with police, the army, locals and Lee's family.
A council spokesman said in a statement: "We are are acting now because the number of items has expanded significantly in recent months and many have been weathered, worn and look unsightly.
 St George's and Union Jack flags along with banners and wreaths with heartfelt messages were tied to railings in tribute to Fusilier Rigby"We are also aware of the fact there is a nearby school whose pupils have to walk past this every morning and every evening."
But the decision has been slammed by some locals.
Keith Bowels, 54, said: "It's absolutely disgraceful.
"When it first happened the council were talking about doing a memorial but now they have brushed it under the carpet.
 Lee was hacked to death by Islamic extremists Michael Adebolajo, 25, and Michael Adebowale, 32, on May 22, 2013
"Lee Rigby fought for our country, he was walking along the road minding his own business and then they attacked him.
"The least he deserves is a permanent memorial, it should never have been taken down."
Patricia Thatcher blasted: "It's disgusting they should replace the flags."
Another fumed: "Wrong on many levels.
"You show so much contempt to the British people.
"Disgraceful. Have you no shame? Maybe all memorials should be removed, if that's your stance."
Danny Taylor, who launched a fundraising page to try pay for its upkeep, has vowed to replace the flags.
He said: “I was in the process of getting all new flags and banners to be put up this week or next anyway and it would have been kept looking nice.”
 Lee Rigby's killers Michael Adebolajo, left, and Michael Adebowale, right
But some residents have backed the decision to remove the unofficial shrine.
Lea Hebblewhite wrote: "I drove past it recently and it looked tatty and weatherworn.
"The sentiment was lovely but it’s time to come down now.
"I wouldn’t have liked that outside my house for years either."
Lisa Sullivan, who laid flowers at the murder scene, also agreed with the decision.
She added: "The area should be cleared now.
"He has 2 memorials that are where is family wanted them.
"Why would anyone really want to remember someone in the spot where they were brutally murdered."
Lee was hacked to death by Islamic extremists Michael Adebolajo, 25, and Michael Adebowale, 32, on May 22, 2013. |
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