FURIOUS villagers have slammed Essex Police after top cops confirmed they do not have the resources to help at Thorpe’s memorial parade.

Every year more than 100 people march through the streets in Thorpe to the village’s war memorial to pay their respects on Remembrance Sunday.

Usually police officers are drafted in to create a temporary road closure, stopping cars so the parade of people can reach the memorial – which is on an island at a busy junction between Station Road and Abbey Street.

But this year police resources will not stretch to helping at the event, leaving villagers to attempt to stop traffic themselves if they want the parade to go ahead.

Thorpe councillor Dan Land said: “It is absolutely disgusting. 

“The memorial is at a busy junction of roads and we need the police tomake it safe for people as they lay their wreaths and pay their respects."

Mr Land said they will make sure the event goes ahead, but he fears for the safety of volunteers if they are expected to stop traffic themselves.

Mr Land fears other events across Tendring will be put at risk by the stretched police resources.

But Essex Police say they still want to support community events and decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Acting Chief Insp Russ Cole said: “We are not withdrawing the drawbridge and saying no to all requests.

“But we do have to make common sense decisions on what to do with our limited resources.”