DEFIANT mourners have put up new flags and banners to restore an unofficial memorial to Fusilier Lee Rigby that was taken down for being "unsightly".

And they branded council bosses "despicable" for removing the shrine after pictures, flags and poppies were tied to railings outside the Royal Artillery barracks where Lee, 25, was murdered in 2013.

Dozens of well-wishers, many fans of nearby Millwall FC, gathered in the snow yesterday outside the barracks in Woolwich, South East London, to pay their respects.

They put up St George's and Union Jack flags, flowers and a banner reading: "We will never forget".

Anti-extremism group Football Lads Alliance said afterwards on Twitter: "Lee Rigby shrine restored today. Council are despicable."

One reply said: "Well done guys, shame on the council."

Another said: "It will keep going back up no mater how many times they take it down."

Last week Greenwich council stepped into remove the unofficial memorial following complaints from residents.

The shrine had grown to include several large photos of Lee along with flags, wreaths and heartfelt messages of respect.

The local authority confirmed the move came after discussions with police, the Army, locals and Lee's family.

It 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.

4 An unofficial memorial to Lee Rigby had grown outside Woolwich Barracks in South East London Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

4 St George's and Union Jack flags along with banners and wreaths with heartfelt messages were tied to railings in tribute to Fusilier Rigby Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

"We are also aware of the fact there is a nearby school whose pupils have to walk past this every morning and every evening."

The decision was 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 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." 4 Lee was hacked to death by Islamic extremists Michael Adebolajo, 25, and Michael Adebowale, 32, on May 22, 2013 Credit: Henry Szymanski

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, had 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.”

4 Lee Rigby's killers Michael Adebolajo, left, and Michael Adebowale, right Credit: Getty Images

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

A 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."

Mother of Lee Rigby, Lyn, unveils plaque on new house to help forces families

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