Tony Boxford, 61, accused police of misusing resources after turning up at his door in Hadleigh, Suffolk

Two police officers turned up at a former councillor's home to warn him about comments he posted online questioning his council's spending.

Tony Boxford, 61, said police could've been out catching criminals rather than knocking on his door to have a 'chat' over remarks he made online.

He denies saying anything rude or defamatory in his claims that taxpayers' money could be spent on more useful resources.

Mr Boxford said: 'I asked them to explain exactly what I'd said to warrant the visit, but they were unable to say.

'They said they didn't really know, and 'we've just been asked to speak to you and advise you to be aware of what you say on social media'.'

'It's ridiculous. It's a misuse of resources. There are any number of break-ins in Hadleigh, Suffolk.

'They don't have the resources to deal with traffic issues or parking problems yet they have time to come and knock on people's doors on behalf of the council.

'It's a waste of time and resources when they are stretched.'

On Facebook, he criticised former Hadleigh mayor Richard Whiting for reportedly saying he stayed on in the role to 'support' new councillors when three had resigned during his tenure

Mr Boxford was elected to Hadleigh Town Council in May 2015, but resigned four months later citing disputes with other members.

In January, he wrote a blog criticising the council for delays in producing a neighbourhood plan and claimed a 'grievance panel' set up to discipline another councillor had no authority to do so.

On Facebook, he criticised former Hadleigh mayor Richard Whiting for reportedly saying he stayed on in the role to 'support' new councillors when three had resigned during his tenure.

In another post, he slammed the council for allegedly spending taxpayers' money on maintaining the town's guildhall, claiming the money was better spent on people.

He denies saying anything rude or defamatory in his claims that taxpayers' money could be spent on more useful resources

Police told Mr Boxford he had done 'nothing wrong' and was 'not in trouble' but that they needed to 'have a chat' with him about the online comments.

He was on his way out on January 30 when he heard a knock on the door.

'I ignored it because I thought it was charity workers,' he said.

'But as I walked out of the door, I saw the police across the road.

'I knew the officer so I said hello.'

Mr Boxford eventually let the officers inside and said: 'They said a couple of times 'you're not in trouble' and 'you've done nothing wrong'.'

'I said, 'unless you're going to arrest me or caution me I'm not interested.

'I will not allow my democratic right to hold my elected representatives or their officers to account shut down.

'I'm simply expressing my personal opinion about things in the public domain.'

Mr Boxford, a trainee driving instructor, said police could not tell him specifically what he had said or written to warrant the visit.

In January, he wrote a blog criticising the council for delays in producing a neighbourhood plan and claimed a 'grievance panel' set up to discipline another councillor had no authority to do so

But he has threatened to take legal action if the council continue to pursue him over his comments. He said: 'If you've got a case, sue me.

'If I'm harassed again I will take legal advice on whether I can sue the council for bullying and harassment.

'I will not have my democratic right to hold my elected officials to account shut down.'

He also said he was considering writing a letter to the Chief Constable of Suffolk Police and the Independent Office for Police Conduct to ask about the actions of the officers.

A spokesman for Suffolk Police said: 'Concerns were raised with police that some comments had been made regarding a member of the town council which they believed to be derogatory in nature - this included posts on social media.

'Two individuals have subsequently been spoken to by officers and offered words of advice regarding these comments and in particular the appropriate use of social media.

'They were also reminded that if they wish to complain about any member of the town council, there is a formal process by which they can do this.'

Hadleigh Town Council has been contacted for comment.