A longstanding councillor has reiterated his commitment to ensuring the safety of those in his ward following concerns over an increase in crime.

Cllr Phillip O’Dell, who represents Wealdstone, said he and his colleagues at the council would work with the police and other organisations to help tackle the issue.

Wealdstone has had ongoing problems with anti-social behaviour and, earlier this month, two boys were shot in High Street.

Cllr O’Dell, who has sat on Harrow council since 1998, said: “Crime is an important issue for residents; we hear a lot about it on the doorstep and we want to listen to people’s concerns.

“We want people to feel a lot safer going about their business and send a clear message that Wealdstone is not a place for criminals to operate.”

He pointed out that the police have had some success in dealing with the region’s drug dealing issue, with several “main” dealers receiving jail sentences.

Now he wants to help go after problem street drinkers and is confident it can be dealt with through cooperation between the council and various other agencies.

He added that, as part of an initiative introduced by Sadiq Khan, Wealdstone has received an additional dedicated ward officer.

But there are concerns over the tri-borough merger with Barnet and Brent, as well as the uncertainty surrounding the region’s Safer Neighbourhood Base.

“I think it’s natural that people are going to want some reassurance about what is happening in their area. They want to know how things are going to continue,” he said.

He has urged as many people as possible to attend the public meeting on crime and safety in Wealdstone in the Red Brick Café, High Street, at 6.30pm on May 23.