Contractors MacAsphalt were hired to carry out the installation of the £100,000 parking spots earlier this year amidst a furore over a parking crisis on the town’s busiest street.

However, when they started to dig into the foundations of the street they were astonished to find a part of Barrhead’s hidden past when cobblestones and tram tracks were unearthed.

A report to East Renfrewshire Council’s cabinet on Thursday, August 21, last week revealed additional costs of more than £30,000 incurred.

The report, delivered by East Renfrewshire Council’s Director of Environment, said: “Eight quotes were received for the construction of the new parking bays.

“The works were awarded after a cost and quality evaluation to Mac Asphalt for a value of £100,656 “During the works Mac Asphalt discovered buried tramlines, cobbles and a concrete base that were unknown at the time of contract preparation and which, if left in situ would conflict with the proposed works.” The tram tracks were installed on Barrhead Main Street and Cross Arthurlie Street in the early 20th century and ran from Renfrew and Paisley into Barrhead before going on to the Eastwood Toll.

The trams ceased to operate in Barrhead in the 50’s and eventually the tracks which had been a staple of the town for 50 years were concreted over and forgotten.

The report continued: “Mac Asphalt were therefore instructed to remove these items at an additional cost of £2,200.” However the biggest cost was incurred when ERC were forced to find materials from a new source after a Chinese deal was found to be taking too long.

The report said: “After commencement of the construction works and despite pre-ordering the materials, it became apparent that the delivery from China would take considerably longer than original envisaged.

“Subsequently materials of an equivalent specification had to be sourced from Portugal at an additional cost of £11,713.” The Barrhead News published reports last week that disabled residents were unhappy at the lack of provision for blue badge holders on the street, however many residents and shop owners have expressed their satisfaction with the new parking bays.