RESIDENTS of West Devon will have improved access to registration services, thanks to changes being made by West Devon Borough Council.

A new permanent office in Okehampton and the relocation of the Tavistock office will improve the service available to those registering births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships.

Okehampton's new permanent office will be located at the town council offices on Fore Street and will replace the former outreach station. The change will allow residents to benefit from more flexible appointment times, and means those beginning their marriage or civil partnership arrangements will no longer have to travel to Tavistock or Exeter.

In Tavistock, the existing office will be relocated to the borough council offices on Drake Road.

The new offices will have receptions and waiting rooms, making them much more comfortable for users of the service.

The offices will also be open for longer, with appointments available from 10am until 3.30pm.

Cllr Roger Croad, Devon County Council's cabinet member with responsibility for the registration service said: 'These changes are great news for communities in West Devon, and will enable us to deliver the best possible service to residents.'

More information is available by calling 0845 155 1022.