LOCKDOWN gave us an unprecedented opportunity to imagine a different world.

A quieter, more peaceful place. Wildlife and the planet seemed to breathe a collective sigh of relief; the beach was cleaner; the air was cleaner. Human initiated chaos was lifted. Gardens were put to productive use.

However, politicians announced the desire to “get back to normal” and sure enough “normality” returned. Through the door Boris partially opened, normality returned like a flood to Bournemouth. Turning beautiful golden sands into a hell of plastic, cans and bottles. The air filled with expletives and the smell of junk food. Roads gridlocked by cars.

Do we really want to “ get back to normal”, or can we imagine and create something different?

DAVID DIBBEN

Lincoln Road, Bournemouth