Two prominent pieces of ‘artwork’ in Ashford town centre have missed out on winning a top award.

Breaking Boundaries and ‘till the cows come home were both shortlisted for the prestigious Rouse Kent Public Art Award 2009.

But when the winner was announced on Thursday night neither was selected, with that honour going to ‘Hei People’ - a series of scarecrow-eque figures that appeared overnight in various Kent locations.

However, Breaking Boundaries, which is part of Ashford’s £15m shared space highway scheme was highly commended by the judges.

Breaking Boundaries is a series of artworks integrated into the landscape and featuring tree grilles, bollards and bespoke seating, a floorscape water flume feature and lighting columns.

Ashford’s other shortlisted entry was Cathy Streeter’s ‘til the cows come home - a 130m long engraved brick and audio installation on the boundary wall of what was once the cattle market.

It comprises a mix of livestock sounds, people discussing their memories and sounds of recent events such as the Tour de France.

Etchings of cattle are engraved on the wall.

The 28 entries were judged by a panel of experts in public space design and architecture, headed by broadcaster Janet Street-Porter.

The winner was announced during a ceremony at Kings Hill golf club in West Malling.