Harry wrote:
we've got a large rectangular manhole cover in the middle of the front lawn.
not a pretty sight
is it ok to paint it green? or should i ask permission from the water co or
whoever it belongs to?

I noticed today that B&Q have Womble gnomes. Do not put the Womble
gnomes on top of the personhole cover; this will only draw attention to
it and everybody will know that you have a personnel access point in
your lawn. Instead, put the Wombles peeing seductively through the
shrubbery. People will be distracted by this and will not notice that
you have a sewer inspection and rodding amenity in the middle of your
greensward.

Owain