Copenhagen - Heirs to the sculptor who made The Little Mermaid statue, one of Copenhagen's best known symbols, were Friday reported to be opposed to moving the statue to the 2010 World Exhibition in Shanghai.

A majority of city politicians including Mayor Ritt Bjerregaard were said to favour the temporary move proposed by the group designing the Danish pavilion, but sculptor Edvard Eriksen's heirs opposed the plans, the Politiken newspaper said.

"I am really sad. It is Copenhagen's landmark. It should remain in Copenhagen and not be in China," Eriksen's grandson Erling Eriksen was quoted as telling the newspaper.

The Little Mermaid statue, just 1.25 metres high, is located in Copenhagen harbour and was unveiled in 1913. Over the years it has been subjected to attacks by vandals, including being covered in paint and the head has also been sawed off.

The iconic statue was inspired by one of the fairy tales penned by Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen, who lived from 1805-1875.

Andersen also wrote The Snow Queen, The Ugly Duckling and The Red Shoes. (dpa)