Parts of Oxford West and Abingdon are a microcosm of the country - well-heeled people in prosperous areas and poor families in soulless housing estates plagued by petty crime.

But the city, town and surrounds portray a largely comfortable community.

The constituency has a dynamic economy with a largely skilled workforce, offering an attractive living and working environment.

The past 10 years has seen high jobs growth in what is called hi-tech "knowledge-based" businesses -- such as research and technology firms based in Abingdon and at Milton Park, where 6,000 people are employed, and at the science parks in Culham and Harwell.

One blot on an otherwise sunny business landscape in Abingdon was the loss of the American-owned medical equipment manufacturer Medisense after 20 years in Eyston Way. The company is moving to newer premises in Witney.

At less than one per cent, unemployment is considerably lower than the national and regional average.

Toby Warren, the head of innovation and enterprise at the Vale of White Horse District Council, said: "Abingdon and the Vale has a thriving economy and is largely a prosperous area in which to live, but that's not to say there are not some deprived areas. That's easy to forget."

Built upon agriculture, the town prospered and industry developed -- MG cars were produced there, the Pavlova leather works was situated there as were carpet manufacturers and brewers. But those traditional industries have now disappeared.

More than 600 new homes have or are now being built in the town along with new business units.

Town centre shopping however remains a sore point for residents and traders. A revamped precinct is needed to boost town centre trade and there are worries about plans for an even bigger Tesco store.