Roger's doing the Lambeth talk

Recently departed Observer editor Roger Alton makes his debut as a London Paper columnist today, defending his manor, Lambeth, against recent accusations that it is some sort of gang culture mecca. "I don't think we live in war zones. Okay so maybe Hollywood Nails could do with a lick, and This That And The Other Discount Store has seen better days," writes Alton. "Sure, you canít get much celeriac round here, and the MM Fried Chicken Shack isn't Fresh 'n' Wild, but there's no trouble. People look after each other. So let's not get too gloomy about gangs." So will Roger become a London Paper regular, adding to his fortnightly sports column for the Spectator? Monkey's Wapping mole says it was a one off. But apparently London Paper assistant editor Eva Simpson can be "very persuasive" - so watch this space.