A councillor who is celebrating 25 years of service said he is still focusing on the future – with a new civic centre his priority.

Cllr Phillip O’Dell is one of three people who will be recognised for their long service to Harrow Council at a full council meeting on May 16.

He said he is proud to have served the community for a quarter of a century but that his focus lies with future projects.

This includes the deliverance of a new civic centre in his own ward of Wealdstone, in addition to other building projects in his current role as housing portfolio holder.

“My plans to are to continue campaigning for the regeneration of Wealdstone, which is one of the most deprived areas of our borough,” he said.

“This will include building the new civic centre at the heart of Wealdstone, in addition to the housing project in Peel Road.”

He added that he will try and improve residents’ conditions and said he was pleased to see Harrow transform into a “rich celebration of diversity” during his time as a councillor.

Cllr O’Dell explained that his proudest moments serving Harrow include meeting the Queen as part of the borough’s 50th anniversary celebrations and receiving an award from then-prime minister Tony Blair on behalf of the Harrow Labour Group.

He will be joined by Cllr Jean Lammiman and Cllr Chris Mote at the annual full council meeting as others to have clocked up 25 years of service.