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 very 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.

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.

Meanwhile, SAGA cannot not confirm if it is interested in using any of the Pfizer buildings.

The Folkestone-based over-50s company recently announced it was creating 1,000 more jobs.

"As we expand we may need other sites," said spokesman Paul Green. "We know the Pfizer site well but cannot rule anything in or out.

"As we expand we will need to review our accommodation."

The Saga Group, which has headquarters in Sandgate, specialises in services for the over-50s and is expanding its healthcare business.

For more, see this week's East Kent Mercury p4.