NEW parents can register the births in face-to-face appointments at Birkenhead Town Hall from today as lockdown continues to ease.

Appointments to register the birth of a baby have been on hold since lockdown in March.

Safety measures are in place at Birkenhead Town Hall to protect the safety of them and their family.

Registrations are by appointment only and offices at Birkenhead Town Hall will be cleaned between each family.

Extensive work has taken place to enable the return of the service in a way that keeps families and staff safe and minimises the risk of coronavirus.

Parents are asked to only book an appointment to register a birth if their baby was born before March 31 as priority is currently being given to those born earlier in the year first. Further appointments will be made available for babies born from 1 April 2020 as soon as possible.

Appointments to register a birth can be booked online at www.wirral.gov.uk/births

Registering a birth is by appointment only and families are asked to arrive five minutes before their allotted time. Late arrivals cannot be admitted as safety measures have to be followed and this will not leave enough time to clean, between visitors.

Where couples are married, only one parent should come to register the birth. If parents are not married, and both the mother’s and father’s details are to be included, both adults will need to attend the appointment.

Please do not bring the new baby, any other children or family to the appointment unless necessary.

Other safety measures at the town hall include protective desk screens and floor markings, hand-sanitising stations, one-way system around the building and separate marked entry and exit system.

The Entrance is at the front of the town hall and exit at Mortimer Street

Anybody showing signs of COVID-19 should not come to the Register Office.

Cllr Janette Williamson, cabinet Member for Finance and Resources at Wirral Council, said: "I would like to pass on my congratulations to new parents and their families but ask that you continue to bear with us as we reopen this service.

"Registering your newborn is a very special process and while I know it’s been frustrating for families to have to wait, please make sure you plan ahead, take extra care and are familiar with the safety measures for Birkenhead Town Hall so we can keep you all safe when you visit us."

The government relaxed the rule that all births must be registered within 42 days. No action will be taken if you have not registered within 42 days of the birth.