Fire service praised by auditors

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service has scored a good rating after its latest audit.

In 2005, the Audit Commission rated the service as poor, citing mismanagement problems and high levels of absence due to sickness.

Chief fire officer Mike Thomas said the turnaround was due to better communication between employees and improved management.

He praised fire service and county council employees for their hard work.

"There's no one magic bullet, there's just been a series of good management steps which have culminated in this great performance and this outcome," he said.

"We've changed the leadership of the service and had great support from the county council who have provided resources so we can employ people in key positions.

"We're more focussed now on the risks in our community and we have aligned everyone around a clear vision for the service."