ALMOST 30 thermal insulation engineers from all over the country took part in a wildcat protest outside their trade organisation in Darlington yesterday.

The engineers, from as far afield as Manchester, Glasgow and Grimsby, were protesting over changes to training and recognition being made by the Darlington-based Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA). The demonstration was not backed by unions.

Chief executive of TICA Marion Marsland said changes had been made to ensure engineers’ competence was in line with other construction trades, but said chances to long-established trades were never popular.

Another protest is planned for later this month.