NOW the virus that has caused this crisis is on the way out, it’s time to see whether some of the benefits from locked down living can be retained.

But a classic case of how not to do it has been introduced in Hove. Temporary cycle lanes were created overnight in Old Shoreham Road, Hove, one of the busiest highways in Sussex. No notice was given and I have not seen any justification for them.

So far, despite viewing these lanes most days when visiting my allotment, I have only seen one cyclist use them.

There was a classic example of how useless they are a few days ago when the westbound cycle lane was empty and the single lane for cars full while a solitary cyclist was using the pavement. I am fully in favour of creating more cycle lanes and improving existing lanes so that the boom in cycling can be sustained. But the Old Shoreham Road lanes are in the wrong place and that should have been obvious from the installation of permanent lanes on the eastern section of this road a few years ago. Money wasted on them should be invested where it is needed.

The one encouraging feature on these cycle lanes was the speed with which they were introduced, showing that officialdom can move quickly when it wishes to do so.

There are many improvements that should be made to take advantage of the benefits we have all enjoyed such as cleaner air and less traffic. One of them is making parks and open spaces more pleasant. Forced to travel only short distances, many people have turned to their local parks and found them fun. Planting trees, keeping play equipment attractive and opening more cafes are among the improvements that could be created.

A trend that ought to be welcomed is building houses which are environmentally friendly and well designed to replace outdated and dull suburban homes.

There has been widespread and justified praise for the NHS which is demonstrated nationwide on Thursday evenings with clapping. The NHS has always been good at coping with a crisis. But it should not be regarded as a sacred cow which must not be touched.

Other countries such as France and Germany have developed health schemes that are probably better than ours because they do not take a sentimental view of them.

So who have been the winners and losers so far in this unprecedented crisis? Boris Johnson started well and there was widespread sympathy for him when he became seriously ill because of the virus even though he broke his own guidelines to do so. The Prime Minister faced sustained criticism this week for supporting his aide Dominic Cummings for a more flagrant abuse of the restrictions.

But some of that obloquy was purely political, coming from people who do not like the strange and unattractive Mr Cummings or the fact that he helped Tories win the last two elections.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock performed well until he became overwhelmed by tiredness, not surprising at a time of astonishing strain.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak proved to be the best of the new Cabinet performers and has not been afraid to make bold decisions.

The crisis has also given us the first clear view of opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer. Using a lawyer’s forensic skills, he has proved to be highly effective against Boris Johnson in the House of Commons, bringing out the Prime Minister’s tendency to bluster and not pay enough attention to detail. But Sir Keir has also shown a tendency to be a prize waffler and this should be watched. He can easily become a law bore.

The biggest political losers are the Liberal Democrats who have almost disappeared from view after making wild claims during the election campaign that they could come out with most seats.

As for Nigel Farage, who did so well in the Euro elections, he is becoming a forgotten figure.

The Prime Minister has constantly stressed his reliance on science to determine the Government’s strategy. And the top scientists wheeled out daily at press conferences to give the experts’ advice seem impressive enough until you realise that in many respects they know little more than us.

The British public have proved unexpectedly supportive in backing the Government‘s guidelines although the Cummings case may dent that trust now.

We now have a great opportunity to make his country a green and pleasant land once again. We must not waste it.