The Pfizer site at Sandwich will have an “active and great” future, the Minister for Sciences has said.

MP for Thanet South Laura Sandys asked David Willetts, who visited the plant two weeks ago, for his assurance in Parliament.

He warned the closure of the research and development site posed a “very serious challenge” when it leaves Sandwich by December 6, 2012.

But Mr Willetts, also the minister for universities, pledged the department was doing its best to tackle the effects on the area.

He said: “We are absolutely committed to the future of that site and believe that it should be possible for a range of different research organisations to be active on it.

“The site should have a great future.”

Among the many suggestions for the future of the drugs research plant, is a learning facility, suggested by the University of Kent.

Some believe smaller IT companies or call centres would benefit from vacant space at the complex.

Mr Willetts said he believes one of its uses would be to develop multiple small research businesses.

Ms Sandys said: “This would enable the site to benefit from the new trend emerging in the pharmaceutical sector – outsourcing to smaller research and development companies.”

Ms Sandys has been joined on the Sandwich Economic Development Task Force by east Kent MPs from Deal and Dover, Thanet and Canterbury.

The action group has so far met three times and weekly meetings are promised until a solution is found.

The task force is chaired by KCC leader Paul Carter and joined by Pfizer.

Together they have discussed strategies to encourage companies to make use of the site and its facilities.

Ms Sandys said it is working towards submitting a report on future use to the secretary for Business Innovation and Skills Vince Cable.