An encampment of Romanian immigrants have been accused of turning a beauty spot into something that resembles ‘the back streets of Rio’.

Members of the River Lea Anglers club are furious that nothing has been done about the shelters built in woodland off Advent Way, in Upper Edmonton.

Richard McGarry, trustee for the angling club, told the Enfield Independent that the camp had been there for four or five months and spoilt the area’s beauty.

He said: “It is utterly disgraceful that they are allowed to pitch up where they like and make their own homes in parkland.

“Lots of people use the pathway which runs to the River Lea but now everybody is too intimidated to go down there, especially at night.”

Mr McGarry also claims swans, ducks and fish have been taken from the river and eaten.

He said: “It is like the back streets of Rio down here. There is so much rubbish and it stinks everywhere. If you look at the river, there are no more swans, ducks or fish. They have been taken by the people living there.”

The angling club member also alleges that up to 30 people have been known to live in the makeshift area, on the border of Enfield and Chingford.

He added: “Nothing has been done since they have been there. People used to be on Lea Valley Park land but they were moved off. Now the people have returned no one seems to be doing anything.”

Enfield Borough Council has recently created a dispersal zone in the area, which is owned by Transport for London.

Councillor Chris Bond said: “Enfield Council is aware of the encampment on Transport for London land near Cooks Ferry Lane Roundabout, and has introduced a dispersal order in conjunction with the Metropolitan Police for a six month."

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Healy added: “We have two Romanian police officers working with us to engage with them to gain a clearer picture as to why they are coming to Edmonton and what steps we can take to prevent such sites being developed. 

 “There are grounds to believe that members of the public have been intimidated, harassed, alarmed or distressed as a result of the presence or behaviour of two or more persons and that anti-social behaviour is a significant and persistent problem in the designated area.”

Enfield Police also told this newspaper that TfL will be applying to the High Court for an eviction notice.