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.

St 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.

"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.

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.”

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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Greenwich council say the memorial plaque in nearby St George's Chapel will stay, along with permanent shrine in Lee's hometown of Middleton, Greater Manchester.

A local authority spokesman added: "He (Lee Rigby) remains in our hearts and minds.

"We understand that people want to pay their respects and so Royal Greenwich created two official memorials to honour not only Lee, but all of those who served or lived in the Royal Borough and sacrificed their lives for our country since 1945."

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