STAFF at a popular seafood restaurant in Cirencester have been on a mission to help clean local rivers and lakes. 

Malt & Anchor - an award-winning fish and chip restaurant situated in Castle Street, Cirencester - has been making waves with its annual commitment to clearing waterways as part of their Ocean Ode initiative.

Since 2018, staff at the restaurant have been on a mission to rid local rivers and lakes of rubbish.

Over the years they have litter picked around the River Churn, Gumstool Brook and a few lakes around South Cerney area.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: The Malt & Anchor team collecting rubbish from local rivers The Malt & Anchor team collecting rubbish from local rivers (Image: Dan Lafford)

Assistant restaurant manager at Malt & Anchor Olivia Cordon said: "We have collected around 18 bin bags now.

"Over the years, we encountered a variety of discarded items including abandoned disposable barbecues, vapes and cans of energy drinks - we even came across a shopping trolley once!"
 
Malt & Anchor is also one of the very few Marine Stewardship Council certified restaurants in the county, exclusively serving sustainably caught cod and haddock.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: The Malt & Anchor team collecting rubbish from local rivers The Malt & Anchor team collecting rubbish from local rivers (Image: Dan Lafford)

It also now uses biodegradable takeaway packaging and prioritises sourcing from local producers within a 40-mile radius such as Jesse Smiths, Plenty Pies, Bibury Trout Farm, New Wave Seafood, Cotswold Lake Co and Poulton Hill Estate.

Owner of Malt & Anchor Dan Lafford said: "Our Ocean Ode initiative and commitment to environmental sustainability showcases how a local restaurant can make a significant impact, not only by offering delectable seafood but also by actively contributing to the preservation of nature and the local community.

"It's a reminder that small actions can lead to significant positive changes for our planet."