The metal seats had become corroded and rusted over the years and the issue was raised at a number of community council meetings as a potential health hazard.

It had been reported that a number of people have had their tights or clothing ripped by the jagged edges exposed on the rusting benches, with Barrhead Community Council chairwoman Rosaleen Reilly saying: “I am very pleased that something has been done about this as it is something that we have been asking for while now.

“It will make such a difference to anyone who is in the Main Street often and the benches had become a potential health hazard because people were getting caught on them.

“However I would like to thank East Renfrewshire Council for getting something done about it.” The improvements were made as part of the town centre resilience fund that was set up during the construction of Asda as local retailers became concerned about the future of their businesses.

The fund allows retailers to apply for help with improving the fronting and signage of their shop and also includes an allowance for the improvement of the streetscape and the street itself.

Asda contributed £100,000 to the funds as part of the planning gains from its Main Street store.

A spokesman from East Renfrewshire Council said: “The benches have been partly funded by East Renfrewshire Council’s town centre resilience fund and the owners of the Barrhead Main Street Shopping Centre.

“It was recognised that the old benches had deteriorated and become worn, and as a result had become a bit of a hazard.”