Northampton's new register office officially opens its doors in Abington Street

Paul Blair and partner Emma Coles register the birth of Baby Noah at the new registry offices on Abington Street.

Northampton’s register office had previously been in the Guildhall, but Northamptonshire County Council says it has moved the facility to the central library on Abington Street so that it can now offer appointments on Saturdays for the first time.

The move follows the recent relocation of register offices in Corby, Oundle and Towcester to their respective libraries.

Customers registering births there are now introduced to library staff who explain the benefits of joining their baby to the library and the children’s services on offer there.

Official launch of Northamptonshire Registration Service at Central Library, Abington Street, Northampton. NNL-160122-112610009

Delivery driver Paul Blair, 41, of Cambridge Street, Semilong, registered his son Noah’s birth before an official opening ceremony today alongside his partner Emma Cole.

“I think it was good because I am so used to going to the Guildhall,” he said, having also registered the birth of his eldest daughter in the old premises.

“It is laid out a lot better, I thought the Guildhall could be a bit intimidating.

“I think it is a positive thing, because it is just another reason to bring people into their libraries.”

Northamptonshire County Council says the new register office features a more secluded area, to give more privacy to those registering a death.

Baby Noah was born on Thursday, January 14, weighing 7lbs 15oz.