Coronavirus testing unit set up in Hastings Old Town

Photos from the scene show an area has been cordoned off for the testing unit, with soldiers standing guard at the entrance.

Concerns have been raised about the location of the unit – with one local cafe announcing in a post on Facebook that it had decided to close for the day because of it.

In the lengthy post on Facebook, Eat @ The Stade said: “We had been told that it would be small and tucked away near the beach, but this is not the case.

“We have no outside space and nobody is allowed to walk on the open space, which is taped off and patrolled by the army.”

It went on to say: “The summer holidays will be make or break for most hospitality businesses in ours and other seasonal areas.

“We have now entered this race with one arm tied behind our back.”

Hundreds of people have commented on and shared the post.

Becky Smith, whose parents own two shops in the Old Town, said the testing centre should be moved to a more isolated location.

She told the Observer that it had been a ‘tough time’ for businesses and that the location of the testing site was ‘absolutely outrageous’.

She said: “I know tests need to be done but the test centre should be moved to a more isolated area.”

The Sussex Resilience Forum has been approached for a comment.