The tree is dedicated to the Fusilier with a stone plaque which encourages anyone wishing to pay their respects to Lee to make a donation to three charities nominated by the family.

The memorial forms part of wider improvements to make the area around the site greener and more pleasant. The plans were designed in consultation with local residents.

The Council and the Rigby family had intended that the permanent memorial installed in the nearby St George’s Garrison Church would help the family to move on with their lives and provide a place where any member of the public could go to pay their respects.

However, since then a number of people unconnected to the Rigby family have argued that another memorial should be provided on the spot of the murder. Many of these people are well-meaning but their efforts have been adopted by groups with views that are at odds with the wishes of the Rigby family.

The actions of such groups have often disrupted the lives of local residents who wish to go about their business in peace and also cause distress to local schools where children can be disturbed and upset at the public disorder on display.

Last year a member of the public replaced a paving slab by the site of Fusilier Rigby’s murder with a memorial stone. This was carefully removed as part of the landscape improvements and handed over to Lyn Rigby as per her wishes. The family request that no flags or memorabilia be left on the site. Anyone who would like to commemorate Lee should make a donation to the Fusilier Aid Society, the Lee Rigby Foundation or Scotty’s Little Soldiers.