A TASK force set up to tackle protection rackets, illegal gambling and money laundering in Green Lanes social clubs could be honoured for its success.

Haringey Council's enforcement team are on a shortlist of six finalists for the Municipal Journal 2010 Awards for their work to rid crime and disorder from the area.

Green Lanes, best known for its string of Turkish grills, is also a hive of gang-fuelled crime.

The team, nominated in the Public Protection Achievement category, spent months researching and staking out clubs suspected of selling counterfeit goods and immigration documents, drug trafficking, money laundering, illegal gambling and running protection rackets.

The council team also investigated allegations of violent clashes between members of different social clubs.

In some cases, this involved the team carrying out late-night inspections of the venues - many of which have now been shut down.

Others heeded warnings to clean up their businesses.

Councillor Nilgun Canver, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: "The enforcement team has done an excellent job in addressing the problems caused at problem social clubs along Green Lanes.

"Being selected as a finalist for this award shows that the team is one of the best in the country for this kind of work."

The task force worked with police and officers from revenue and customs, the immigration service and the Department of Work and Pensions.