A BLACKBURN College student has tested positive for coronavirus, it emerged yesterday.

The part-time pupil attended evening classes at its University Centre.

The college in Feilden Street, which has more than 13,000 students, remains open in accordance with Public Health England guidelines.

The college confirmed the positive test of the student for the Covid-19 virus yesterday as the Government cancelled local elections due on May 7 due to the spread of coronavirus.

Council polls in Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle and Rossendale will now not take place for a year, nor will the contest to replace Clive Grunshaw as Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner,

The affected student is understood to come from Lostock Hall in South Ribble.

Neighbouring Blackburn with Darwen borough has yet to have a resident test positive for the potentially deadly disease.

There have been seven cases so far in the rest of Lancashire – two in South Ribble, three in Chorley, one in Blackpool and one in Fylde.

A statement issued yesterday said: “Blackburn College is aware that a current evening student in our University Centre has recently tested positive for the Covid-19 virus.

“The student last attended Blackburn College on February 27. Those attending classes with the student have been informed via Public Health England. Blackburn College is currently working with Public Health England and following current Government advice.”

Prof Dominic Harrison, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s director of public health, said: “We are aware of the situation at Blackburn College and fully support the action they are taking as it is in line with national guidance.

“Once again, can I reassure the community that we are working closely with PHE, the Government and partners so we are prepared for the impact of Covid-19.”

The college has 52 per cent of students attending part-time, while two-thirds are adult learners and a third aged 16 to 19.

Mill Hill and Moorgate ward councillor Julie Gunn, a politics lecturer at the college, said: “I am confident that the management will be doing everything they should to protect staff and students.

“It would be a big decision to close the college, especially for students studying for their A-levels.”

Blackburn with Darwen Council leader Mohammed Khan has said the borough has no plans for immediate ‘drastic action’ but was preparing plans to support the elderly and isolated if the crisis worsens.

He told the council’s executive board meeting: “Coronavirus is the biggest issue we face. We are not taking any drastic action immediately. People are a bit worried but we are fully prepared.

“We are hoping for the best but God knows what happens next.

“We are working up plans to support the elderly, vulnerable and isolated in the event of the Government advice changing.”

The council’s plans involve social services staff prioritising support for residents most at risk for reason of age, health or lack of nearby family.

It is seeking to co-ordinate a back-up response from voluntary and faith groups, and will appeal for family and neighbours to help the elderly and isolated with shopping and other assistance.