Ashfield MP Lee Anderson MP visited the Portland College campus to see its recent developments.

First, Lee visited the Covid testing centre, where he had a lateral flow test before being able to access other areas of the campus.

The testing team, made up of Portland staff, talked to Lee about the success of the centre, which has delivered more than 2,500 tests to staff, learners and citizens and identified only five positive cases. The effectiveness of the centre meant that those cases were able to isolate immediately, preventing an outbreak on campus and protecting its vulnerable people.

Lee then went on to visit the Day Service, where he saw first-hand the measures in place to keep everyone safe. To enable social distancing and protective bubbles for citizens, Day Service has also expanded across two buildings on site.

The MP met staff and citizens immersed in Red Nose Day activities and heard how much they enjoy attending the service, which has remained open throughout the pandemic.

He was also shown the college’s plans for Newstart Hall, which will open later this year as a state-of-the-art sports and performance centre, a facility that will benefit local communities through expressive arts and sports programmes, theatre performances and a new coffee shop.

Lee commented: “Portland College is a real jewel in Ashfield’s crown. The college continues to go from strength to strength. Everyone there has adapted well to the new testing facility and day services haven’t been interrupted due to the pandemic. I can’t wait to visit again once the lockdown measures ease.”

To find out more about Portland College, visit www.portland.ac.uk