SHANTY towns similar to those found in the Calais 'jungle' have resurfaced along a footpath near a canal.

Following the path off Russell Road, in Chingford, which is behind the Old Hall Tavern Pub, you are first met with the stench of human excrement.

As you continue down the path towards the River Lee Navigation in Edmonton, you come to a settlement made up of three shacks, equipped with chairs, tables, barbecues and even a make-shift garden.

The popular spot for Romanian migrants, lying next to the canal, was first discovered in October, 2014.

Among the trash heaps and discarded beer cans are signs of a daily routine – razors and shaving cream sit on purpose built shelves next to mirrors hung up on walls.

Men’s clothing can be found drying in the wind on lines running from trees to the shacks, while charity bags full of women's and children’s clothes are discarded on the floor.

Communal chairs are positioned around tables showing remnants of meals recently eaten.

Police are aware of the spot and have tried to move the illegal immigrants on, but according to Richard McGarry, the club secretary of the River Lea Anglers Club, new faces just keep turning up and replacing the old ones.

The fishing club monitors the River Lee Navigation for illegal fishing, but it has encountered many problems issuing warnings to the migrants.

Mr McGarry added: “We have had to translate some of the warnings into Romanian so they can understand what they are doing is illegal.”

Fishing without a licence carries a heavy fine and some migrants have been seen using live bait and rods with up to six hooks to catch fish.

He added: “There is always a terrible mess left behind, it must put people off from fishing in the area.

“It does get you down when you see it.

“It used to be a very popular fishing area years ago."

One passer-by, Hazel Norris, said the smell is disgusting and she even saw a table laid out with napkins ready for a communal feast.

Owner of the Old Hall Tavern, Shane Kilcrann, said he regularly sees people heading down the pathway behind his pub carrying mattresses.

He added: “We see them going through the bins on the street before heading in.

“On a humid day when the wind picks up you can really smell the human excrement.”

Thames Water has confirmed it owns the land.

A spokesperson said: “We’re aware of the illegal encampment and are investigating what course of action to take.”