Residents believe the Levern Burn, behind Barrhead Sports Centre, has been contaminated by sewage during the construction of the £22 million Asda, something the supermarket has investigated.

The burn runs close to Carlibar playpark, with some residents saying the smell comes and goes.

Heather Ashburn, 26, is a regular visitor to the area with her four year-old son.

She said: “Sometimes you can smell it really strongly, especially if the weather is very warm.

“I hadn’t thought it was the burn, I always thought it was just the drains or something – but it would make sense that it would be, especially with the works going on.” Heather’s close friend Geraldine, 32, commented that she had reported the smell to a passing warden.

She said: “I complained to them about the smell but I don’t know if anything has been done about it. It’s not completely unbearable, but the area has been looking alright over the past few months, it would be a shame to spoil it with this smell.” Asda is nearing the end of the construction phase as the final touches are put on the exterior of their new superstore.

The Barrhead Sports Centre, re-named the Barrhead Foundry, is also nearing the end of a masisve £3.6 million overhaul.

Lisa Rooke, Asda spokeswoman, said: “Contractors from our site have had a thorough search of the area and can not find anything that would cause a leak from our site.

“They also said that no works have been undertaken that would have resulted in any accidental break in pipes or leaking of sewage.

“However contractors have said they will keep an eye out for any signs of what could be worrying residents.”