George Michael's family of late singer asks fans to take down tributes

The family of the late singer made the request following a community divide on the issue

George Michael. (Getty)

George Michael's family has asked that fans remove their tributes to the late singer outside his homes in London and Oxfordshire.

In response to the tributes, members of Michael’s family, including his sisters, Mel and Yioda, father Jack and friend David Austin explained they were touched by the memorials, but that the time had come for them to be removed.

They said that they "cannot expect our Highgate and Goring neighbours to continue to accept as normality, the memorials so personal to you all, to remain as and where they are any longer."

The family referred to Michael's fans as "Lovelies" and asked them to retrieve their decorations by May 27 and donate to a charity instead as they "return both Mill Cottage and The Grove to their former simple state."

"This will take time to do properly, so we ask for your patience while trying to improve the grass and railings at The Grove," it said.

The statement went onto acknowledge Michael's enjoyment of privacy saying he "would not want to disturb or change the quiet neighbourhoods he so loved, for the people in the local area who, honestly, despite reports otherwise have been gracious and very understanding."

"We are hoping, into the future, to get back to you with some more thoughts on ways and ideas to remember Yog that we hope you’ll like, and be a part of," Michael’s family said.

When fans discovered Michael had passed away on Christmas Day 2016, they went to his two homes, creating memorials filled with poems, flowers, cards and candles.

Fans have continued the tradition, but the memorials have become tourist attractions, dividing the community of residents and conservationists.

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Tributes at a triangle of land in Highgate village opposite Michael's home in London have once again appeared which prompted the family's reaction.

Last year chair of the Highgate Conservation Area advisory committee Susan Rose spoke out saying she wondered what Michael "would think of it all outside the beautiful home that he looked after so well, and right where he erected a wonderful Christmas tree every year."