There is some light industry in Adur and Shoreham Harbour is the main port of Sussex and is situated to the east of Shoreham itself.
Until the 14th Century New Shoreham was one of the most important towns in the region until the sea destroyed much of the coastline. The town centre is dominated by the Norman church of St. Mary de Haura.
The Rope Tackle Site on Shoreham Harbour which has been derelict for decades is currently being redeveloped with a mixture of housing, hotels and restaurants. This is part of a longer term redevelopment of Shoreham Harbour.
This seat was created in the 1995 Boundary changes. It comprises the four easternmost wards of Worthing Borough - Broadwater, Gaisford, Offington and Selden, in addition to the whole district of Adur which contains the towns of Shoreham and Southwick.
Although currently Tory in parliamentary terms, at a local level the Lib Dems have traditionally held Adur Council, yet their long term leader, Martin King (1986-95) only gained 30% of the vote in the 1997 general election.