The closure of the only customs post on the Isles of Scilly will increase the risk of drug smuggling, officials have admitted.

The customs post on the islands off Cornwall, manned for more than 300 years, closes on Friday.

Custom chiefs claim the duties of their officers can be carried out more effectively by concentrating staff on the mainland.

But officers and residents fear the closure will lead to more drug trafficking on the islands, which could become a route out of the UK for criminals.

'Deterrent measure'

The decision to shut the facilities has been made despite a 500-signature petition, a quarter of islands' population, calling for the customs officer to remain.

David Wilbourne, the last customs officer on the islands, admitted the risk of smuggling would increase.

"The viewpoint of local people is the presence on the island is a deterrent measure for travellers and I support that viewpoint strongly," he said.

Jeff Penhaligon, harbour master at the port of St Mary's, said: "There's going to be no immigration control on who's coming in or out.

"A Mr Nasty, who wants to get out of the country by the back door, is going to find it very easy."

The islands' coves could attract smugglers

He was also worried about the threat of rabies spreading to the islands because animals were checked by the customs officer.

"We all thought foot-and-mouth couldn't happen," he said.

"All we need is for the wrong dog to arrive on the island and bite somebody for there to be a major problem.

"We feel we've been kicked in the teeth and this isn't going to achieve any great saving."

Scilly councillor Mary Cleveland said: "Obviously there is a risk of smuggling which could greatly increase over time.

"There are lots of inlets and coves where people can land.

"While we've had a customs officer here he was a deterrent but now that's gone we don't know what's going to happen."

More efficient

Shona Low, spokeswoman for the Customs and Excise Service, said the decision to base the officer on the mainland was a better use of resources.

She said:"Changes in technology have meant advances in intelligence gathering and our rapid response capability which means we are reorganising our operation in the South West."

She said officers would travel by powerboat from Falmouth or Plymouth to Scilly in an emergency.

"We don't believe there will be an increased risk of smuggling.

"Scilly is not being abandoned in fact people should feel the benefit of the better use of resources."