A huge £4million primary school building project has amassed a shock extra cost after workers discovered unexpected problems with the property.

Builders erecting a new nursery at Loanhead Primary in Kilmarnock found the stonework needs more than £400,000 worth of repairs.

Council architecture and asset planning manager Simon Bell told councillors there were significant issues with the stonework at this week’s East Ayrshire cabinet meeting.

SNP Councillor Jim Roberts asked when the problem came to light and described the additional cost of £440,000 as a “hunk” of money.

Mr Bell said: “The full extent has not been identified until fairly recently.”

He said an area of pointing was found to be loose.

A council paper presented to councillors revealed more about the issue.

It said: “After site scaffolding was erected it has been determined that a greater extent of the stonework requires to be cleaned, repointed and repaired then previously envisaged.”

Loanhead Primary’s extension and refurbishment  is due to be finished in the summer.

Firm Ashleigh Building is carrying out the work. 

The new extension will house an Early Childhood Centre for 42 children and a dining or activity area.

Councillors approved  the retention of grant  funding of £400,000 within the Loanhead Primary School and Early Childhood budget to pay for the repairs. The rest will come from another budget.