Below the footbridge lie the remains of Prescott Sluice (seen here at low tide), which was used to control the water impounded to feed the two tide mills. The Channel here (Prescott Channel) carries the main flow of the River Lea and of the tide.
Boats heading for the tidal Waterworks River take this route to get there, and have to be careful of their timing so that the tide gives them enough draft and air-draft to clear this bridge.
Beyond the bridge is the site of the original set for the TV series Big Brother.