AN office for the registration of births and deaths is to stay open, councillors have been assured.

Durham county councillors Bill Blenkinsopp and Terry Hogan had expressed their concern that the registration service in Newton Aycliffe was to be closed.

But after raising the matter at meetings with officials from the local authority, the councillors have been given assurances that the service will continue. The Register Office is located in the Health Centre at Newton Aycliffe.

It operates by appointments only, on Monday and Wednesday afternoons, between 2pm and 3pm.

One of the problems for Newton Aycliffe residents is that the town is served by Bishop Auckland General Hospital and Darlington Memorial Hospital.

If a death or birth occurs, it normally has to be registered in those towns. But certificates can be issued at Newton Aycliffe, if required, although births and deaths in Darlington must still be registered in the town.

In a statement, Coun Blenkinsopp and Coun Hogan said the registration service was controlled by legislation which was almost 50 years old.

The statement said: "The county council is hopeful that the antiquated legislation will be removed."

Appointments at the Newton Aycliffe office can be arranged by contacting (01388) 607277.