NEW parents are now able to register the birth of their child after lockdown restrictions have eased.

All birth registrations were temporarily halted in March when measures were introduced to halt the spread of coronavirus.

The service has now been resumed, although it is strictly by appointment only.

Parents need to call Bolton Council’s Register Office on 01204 331185 to book, where they will be given a 20-minute slot and sent an email setting out which documents they must bring with them.

Protective screens have been installed in the one stop shop and a one-way system is in operation to maintain appropriate social distancing. Customers will also be asked to use hand sanitiser on entering and leaving the building.

Residents have been urged to be patient, as there are a number of births waiting to be registered, and there is set to be a very high demand for appointments.

Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr David Greenhalgh, said: “This is good news for parents, and we are pleased the government has given councils the green light to start this essential service again.

“Before restarting appointments, we have had to undertake a rigorous risk assessment process and put in place measures to ensure our staff and the public are safe.

“I would ask all parents to please attend their appointment on time so we don’t have more people in the town hall than is necessary.”

Parents are asked not to bring children to the site unless necessary and payments must be made by card.

Death registrations can still be made over the phone.