A former Harrow mayor and ward councillor for almost 20 years has passed away.

Councillor Bob Currie, who represented the Roxbourne ward for almost 20 years and served as mayor in 2001-2002, and was responsible served as a Portfolio Holder for Housing, died on January 14 after a short illness.

Colleagues said Cllr Currie’s commitment to helping the community went far beyond his role on the council.

A cabinet member for housing, he fought for people to live in good quality homes and worked tirelessly to support tenants and residents.

He was also a founding member and long-time advocate for the umbrella organisation for all the borough’s resident associations across Harrow.

Harrow Council chief executive Michael Lockwood said “Cllr Currie was passionate about everything he did and I know that a huge number of people within the Harrow community have benefited from his tireless and dedicated work.

“On behalf of all council staff, We are really saddened by the loss of a great person, who did so much for the council and made a difference to so many people’s lives.

“He will be sorely missed.”

Fellow councillors described Cllr Currie has been described as a man who enjoyed talking to residents and hearing about their lives.

He considered it a duty and a privilege to provide a voice and speak up for people in Harrow who find it hard to speak for themselves.

Harrow council leader Cllr Sachin Shah said: “We are all devastated to lose this wonderful man, who was a great colleague, a great councillor and a great friend.

“It’s an overused phrase – but Bob really was a pillar of the community and it’s hard to imagine the council without him.

“He leaves a legacy of making Harrow a fairer place, and our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”

Cllr Currie is survived by his wife; Win, his two sons – Des and Robert; and two grandchildren.