Covering coal grate in front of house?

t1redmonkey

I've got a grate in front of my house, think it's referred to as a coal grate - something like this

Does anyone have any suggestions for a way to cover it to stop rubbish from the street getting inside it, but still allowing some air to get into the basement? I think if I cut off the air from outside completely, the basement will start getting damp and mouldy.

Davesnave

I wouldn't cover it, as that's likely to create a trip hazard. I might suspend some kind of wire or plastic mesh receptacle about 10cm below it to catch the debris and then empty it occasionally. Hardly an onerous job.

I wouldn't block it for the same reasons as you give.