New parents from East Sussex who give birth in Brighton will be able to register their children in Lewes from October 1, 2013.

East Sussex Registration Service and Brighton & Hove Registration Service have reached an agreement to make it easier for families.

Expectant mothers from Lewes, Newhaven, Peacehaven, Ringmer and the surrounding areas often use maternity services at the Royal Sussex Hospital in Brighton and are currently signposted to Brighton Town Hall to register the birth.

Under the new arrangement, parents will be able to do this at Lewes Register Office in Southover Grange, if more convenient for them.

“We know how difficult it can be for parents of newborn babies and we hope that this agreement will make life a little bit easier for them,” said Cllr Chris Dowling, lead member for community services.

The General Register Office is encouraging registration authorities to look at ways to improve customer services and the partnership working model adopted by East Sussex Registration Service and Brighton & Hove Registration Service has been successfully trialled in other authorities.

The future of registration services in Lewes was secured recently when East Sussex County Council, which leases part of the district council-owned Southover Grange, agreed a land swap with Lewes District Council for The Maltings, which will be vacated when the record office moves to The Keep, a new £19million building in Falmer.