Phil L wrote:

Andy Burns wrote:

Maybe you're then supposed to screw some handles or hooks or something
into the threaded holes?

Nope. It's one of these:
http://bit.ly/2am05rv

The paving needs to come out and then be set back in after whatever needs
doing in the manhole

surely not?

e.g.

http://www.manholecovers.co.uk/catalogue/recessed-steel-access-covers/double-seal-double-cover-recessed-airtight-seals

which says ...

"When unlocked screw holes act as lifting eyes"