Thorpe-le-Soken Remembrance service went ahead
The war memorial, built in the 1920s, is on the busy junction of Station Road and Abbey Street
A Remembrance service in an Essex village in danger of being cancelled was saved thanks to a piece of legislation from the 1800s.
Police said they could not guarantee being able to assist with the necessary road closure at the war memorial in Thorpe-le-Soken.
However, Tendring District Council has created a temporary closure order under the Town and Police Clauses Act 1847.
Organisers said about 100 people attended the service.
Dan Land, chairman of Thorpe Parish Council, said it was "a shock" initially as "traditionally" police are in attendance each year to help with road safety.
He said Tending District Council had "saved the day".
Tendring District Council "saved the day" said organisers
The 19th Century legislation allows borough and district councils to make temporary closures for events such as carnivals and parades, independently of the police.
"I cannot thank them enough for sorting this out even though it was very much at the last minute," said Mr Land.
Nick Turner, deputy leader of the council, said: "The council takes it's responsibilities with Remembrance parades very seriously... and we're very pleased to step in on this occasion."
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