The proposals follow a review aimed at ensuring fire and rescue services across Lincolnshire remain resilient, effective and sustainable.

Under the plans, Grantham would become Lincolnshire’s second 24/7 whole-time fire station, alongside Lincoln South. New firefighter posts would be created at Grantham to support a 2-2-4 duty system, consisting of two day shifts, two night shifts and four days off.

Seven other whole-time stations – Boston, Gainsborough, Lincoln North, Louth, Skegness, Sleaford and Spalding – would continue to be staffed seven days a week, with on-call firefighters providing overnight cover. The county’s 29 on-call stations would not be affected.

Chief Fire Officer Mark Baxter said: "These proposals would strengthen wholetime firefighter numbers, retain seven-day wholetime cover at all existing wholetime stations, increase our response capabilities in and around Grantham, and increase our overall resilience."

The Fire Brigades Union welcomed the proposed increase in firefighter posts, describing the investment as "long overdue".

A spokesperson said: "The proposed investment in Lincolnshire is a positive step in the right direction, but it must be viewed as part of a wider commitment to properly fund the fire and rescue service."

The proposals would largely be funded by removing an uplift currently provided to whole-time firefighters who voluntarily provide overnight on-call cover.

The public engagement period on the proposals runs until 23 August.

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