Cathy Streeter with her cows artwork

Ashford has been recognised for its contribution to public art after two prominent pieces were shortlisted in a special awards scheme.

Breaking Boundaries and ‘till the cows come home both stand a chance of winning the prestigious Rouse Kent Public Art Award 2009, which is given biennially by developer Liberty Property Trust UK Ltd and Kent County Council.

Breaking Boundaries is part of Ashford’s £15m shared space highway scheme, with the artworks integrated into the landscape and featuring tree grilles, bollards and bespoke seating, a floorscape water feature and lighting columns.

Cathy Streeter’s ‘til the cows come home is a 130m long engraved brick and audio installation on the boundary wall of what was 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 who said of Ashford’s work: "Breaking Boundaries is a great piece of urban inventiveness and ‘till the cows come home was also much admired as an innovative idea that has been nicely executed."

The winner will be announced at a ceremony at Kings Hill golf club in West Malling on Thursday next week.