Area Code 01686: A Comprehensive Overview
Table of Contents
- Area Code 01686: A Comprehensive Overview
- Geographical Coverage of Area Code 01686
- Population and Demography within the Area
- History and Origins of Area Code 01686
- Key Towns and Settlements Served by Area Code 01686
- Economic Profile and Major Industries
- Telecommunication Infrastructure and Connectivity
- Emergency Services and Public Utilities
- Tourism and Local Attractions in the Area
Area code 01686 is a geographical identifier assigned to the towns of Llanidloes and Newtown in Powys, Wales. It is part of the 01686/01559 Ofcom number plan area and is administered by the Office of Communications (Ofcom). The area code was introduced in 1995 as part of the UK’s telephone number reorganisation and has remained in use since then.
Geographical Coverage of Area Code 01686
Area code 01686 encompasses the following areas:
- Llanidloes: A market town located in the Severn Valley
- Newtown: A town located on the River Severn
- Surrounding rural areas including the villages of Llandinam, Tregynon, and Llanbrynmair
Population and Demography within the Area
As of 2021, the population within the 01686 area code is approximately 17,000. The majority of the population resides in Newtown and Llanidloes, with the remaining population distributed across the surrounding villages. The area is known for its strong sense of community and rural lifestyle.
History and Origins of Area Code 01686
Prior to the introduction of area codes in the UK, Llanidloes and Newtown were served by the 0559 area code. In 1995, as part of a nationwide reorganisation of telephone numbers, the 01686 area code was created to serve these towns and the surrounding area. The new area code was designed to improve call routing and provide more efficient telecommunication services.
Key Towns and Settlements Served by Area Code 01686
The key towns and settlements served by area code 01686 are:
- Llanidloes: A historic market town with a population of approximately 3,000.
- Newtown: A modern town with a population of approximately 11,000.
- Llandinam: A village with a population of approximately 1,000.
- Tregynon: A village with a population of approximately 500.
- Llanbrynmair: A village with a population of approximately 300.
Economic Profile and Major Industries
The economy of the 01686 area is predominantly based on agriculture, tourism, and small businesses. Key industries include:
- Agriculture: Sheep and cattle farming, dairy production
- Tourism: Rural tourism, heritage sites, outdoor activities
- Manufacturing: Food processing, engineering, textiles
- Retail: Local shops and supermarkets
- Services: Healthcare, education, financial services
Telecommunication Infrastructure and Connectivity
Area code 01686 has a well-developed telecommunication infrastructure, providing residents and businesses with access to high-speed broadband, mobile networks, and landline services. Major telecommunication providers operating in the area include:
- BT
- Openreach
- Sky
- Vodafone
- EE
Emergency Services and Public Utilities
Emergency services in the 01686 area are provided by:
- Police: Dyfed-Powys Police
- Fire and Rescue: Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service
- Ambulance: Welsh Ambulance Service
Public utilities in the area are provided by:
- Electricity: Western Power Distribution
- Gas: Wales & West Utilities
- Water: Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water
Tourism and Local Attractions in the Area
Area code 01686 is home to several tourist attractions, including:
- Llanidloes Museum: A local history museum showcasing the town’s heritage.
- Newtown Textile Museum: A museum dedicated to the town’s textile industry.
- Hafren Forest: A large forest area offering hiking, cycling, and wildlife viewing.
- Lake Vyrnwy: A scenic lake popular for water sports and nature walks.
- Powis Castle: A historic castle with stunning gardens and views.
