On Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:25:51 +0100 (BST), "Dave Liquorice"
wrote:

Is this just a deterent against access or for real security?

A deterrent against opportunistic theft. I don't have anything
valuable behind it but a burglar wouldn't know that, so I'd like to
keep them out in the first place.

At least a 3" square preferably 4" with the best part of 2' in the
ground. You say "across the passage" that implies to me a wall on at
least one side in which case 2" sq fixed to the wall and the gate
fixed to that will do.

There are walls on both sides but only one is mine so I don't want to
drill into my neighbour's wall. I was thinking I could attach a post
to my wall or fasten to my wall direct and bury a fence post on my
neighbour's side.

Thanks.