I found this intriguing piece of metalwork when I went for a walk from work this sunny lunchtime!
Hidden in an industrial area, it's not a gate because it doesn't open and if it did you would fall straight into the River Sheaf.
Must try and find out more about it - the words are thought provoking.
Update: This gate was commissioned to replace a snow gate that had fallen into disrepair. The original function of a snow gate was to give access to a river so that snow cleared from the road could be deposited there. At other times these same gates could be used to provide access for firemen in need of water.