Sixteen children’s centres in Wiltshire, including eight in west Wiltshire, will be run by a charity from this month.

National charity 4Children has taken on the management of the centres on behalf of Wiltshire Council, which includes two in Melksham, three in Trowbridge, and one each in Bradford on Avon, Warminster and Westbury.

The change will affect around 14,760 under-fives and their families who use the centres.

In many cases 4Children will be take over the centres from school governors, while in others it will replace existing contractors.

4Children won the contract to manage the centres via a tendering process, and in Melksham will take over two Sure Start children’s centres from charity Barnardo’s.

Charles Ellis, deputy chief executive of 4Children, said: “In the current climate of concern about cuts and closures, 4Children is delighted that Wiltshire Council has shown that practical support for families remains a firm priority for them.

“Children’s centres are a great way to support all families while targeting help to those that need it most.

“I’m delighted we are now able to take our expertise to Wiltshire to ensure local families get the help and support they deserve.”

The charity already runs 25 children’s centres across the country.

Head of early years and childcare for Wiltshire Council, Gill Hanlan, said: “The children’s centres in Wiltshire are beginning the next stage of their development.

“Finding effective ways of supporting young children and families is Wiltshire Council’s top priority and it is exciting to welcome new partners, fresh ideas and innovative ways of working.”

Barnardo’s children’s services manager Liz James said: “We have been working in partnership with the Melksham teams for less than a year, but we have been impressed by everything they have achieved.

“Although the management will change, the front-line staff will remain. We sincerely hope families will continue to use these important projects.”

The 16 Wiltshire-based children’s centres that 4Children will be being running from April are: Bellefield Children’s Centre, Trowbridge; Bradford on Avon Children’s Centre, Bradford on Avon; Canberra Children’s Centre, Melksham; Devizes North Children’s Centre, Devizes; Devizes South Children’s Centre, Devizes; Kings Park Children’s Centre, Melksham; Longfield Children’s Centre, Trowbridge; Mere Footprints, Mere; Pewsey Children’s Centre, Pewsey; Studley Green Children’s Centre, Trowbridge; Happy Feet Children’s Centre, Warminster; The Corner House Children’s Centre, Marlborough; Tisbury Children’s Centre, Tisbury; White Horse Children’s Centre, Westbury; Wilton Children’s Centre, Wilton; Windmill Hill Children’s Centre, Tidworth.