Hi Clifford,
I assume you're referring to the rear axle.
As far as I know, the front axle never had these on UK spec cars.
Having said that, my car, being an AU spec, actually has front shields and I have retained them.
I wonder whether any shields are really necessary on a car that doesn't do much mileage and is
kept off dirt roads.
In short, I wouldn't be too concerned to leave them off.
Nigel