Les Cummings hand-delivered letters urging residents to watch out for suspicious activity – in an angry response to what he said was a snub to him by councillors at a recent meeting.

It is the latest in a string of personal attacks by Mr Cummings, who says the council has been 'abusive' in the way it has handled his demands for an apology about the abuse he says he suffered as a child.

He is among a group of people who say they suffered abuse, some of which was physical or sexual abuse, while in foster care or staying at the Children's Cottage Homes in Cosham.

Councillors Lee Hunt, Mike and Jacqui Hancock, Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Hugh Mason, David Stephen Butler and Richard Jensen were all targeted.

Cllr Mason said: 'I believe the man has gone beyond the realms of rationality. Members have told residents what the situation is – that Mr Cummings is obsessive.'

Lib Dem councillor Eleanor Scott said: 'This has really gone beyond the pale. Asking people to watch out for who is going into councillors' houses is freaky and upsetting.'

Mr Cummings, 64, of Sydenham Court, Fratton, says he sent the letters to provoke a reaction after he was interrupted while asking the council a question at a full council meeting.

Council rules allow only 15 minutes for questions from the public and when the time was up no-one voted to let Mr Cummings, who was quizzing council leader Gerald Vernon-Jackson on his behaviour at a previous meeting, continue.

Mr Cummings said: 'The anger that these councillors might feel at their neighbours receiving these letters is only a pinprick of the anger I have felt for the way we have been treated.

'It appears as though these councillors can dish out abuse but they can't take it when it's directed at them.'

Some councillors handed the letters to city solicitor Michael Lawther, and the police have spoken to Mr Cummings although they are not taking any action.

Mr Lawther said: 'The police have been made aware of the letter. The council is not contemplating any action in response to the letter but is working with the police.'