To the far north east of Kent, this is one of the less well-known regions in that county. Sittingbourne is a fairly small, fairly modern town, whilst Sheppey refers to the Isle of Sheppey, a flat area cut off from the Kent mainland by the Swale. The divide between the island and the mainland is sharp: the island accommodates much of the constituency’s industry and less attractive businesses, it is poorer and house prices are lower.
The port of Sheerness has a deep harbour and much of the fruit and vegetables imported into the UK, as well as large numbers of cars, pass through here. Predictably, packaging plants proliferate, but offer only poorly-paid work. There is a great deal of construction work going on here, partially the result of Single Regeneration Budget money, but plans for a new bridge and hospital have also been agreed.
The constituency includes the historic town of Queenborough and the eastern end of the Isle of Sheppey is a popular holiday resort for many Londoners.