A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: "The location of the testing centre has always been Southport Town Hall and this remains the case.


"Sefton Council has worked hard with Deloitte to amend the site plans to change the entrance to the Town Hall from the One Stop Shop to Corporation Street following visits to the traders on Friday, over the weekend and on Monday to listen to their concerns.


"However, it is important that there is no confusion for users on the location – the testing centre will still be in Southport Town Hall, as was always planned.


"However access to the site will now be via the Corporation Street entrance rather than Cambridge Arcade.


"Although there will be a minor delay to opening of the testing centre due to these additional works required, this remains the best and most-trusted location for a walk-in centre, within 30 minutes’ walk for as many of Southport’s residents as possible - particularly for those without vehicular access.


"Testing is vital to response, recovery, and the continued protection of lives and livelihoods. A semi-permanent testing centre in Southport Town Centre will be critical to the wellbeing of all residents, and in turn to the local economy."