The code 0697 merged Raughton Head exchanges (formerly 0699X) and Wigton exchanges (formerly 0965X) with Brampton exchanges (already on 0697X) into a set of new codes, all beginning 0697. Brampton maintained its original 5 digit code with 4 and 5 digit numbers but also introduced additional ranges with 6 digit numbers just starting with 0697. We are not clear why the original 06977 Brampton range was not expanded to a new 6 digit range and to this day it remains the only area code still to have 4 digit numbers. It also remains the only area code which has to have two entries in the code book, depending on the number of digits in the number. As with the other codes with mixed areas, The other areas merged into the 0697 area added an additional digit to the code with 5 digit numbers. As part of the PhONEday changes on 16th April 1995 the codes became 01697X. The new codes for this mixed area are shown below with their locations. Unlike extended linked numbering scheme areas, calling between these areas requires the full code to be dialled before the number. Numbers within the main 4 digit 01697 code area cannot start with 3, 4 or 7 since they would conflict with the 5 digit code areas. In this instance it means that even dialling between the 4 and 5 digit codes areas of Brampton would require the full national number to be dialled.
Code |
Area |
| 01697 | Brampton (6 digit) |
| 016973 | Wigton |
| 016974 | Raughton Head |
| 016977 | Brampton (4 & 5 digit) |