Almost a year after it opened, Ashford's controversial shared space scheme has won another award - it's fifth. The latest award is from the Worshipful Company of Paviors, professionals involved with building roads and pavements, and comes just a weeks away from the first anniversary of the scheme where drivers, pedestrians and cyclists use the same open road area.

In the last 12 months the kilometre-long space has won praise from Police for improving road safety and four awards for regeneration, innovation, street design and for the best ‘public realm’.

At its opening last year, Kent County Council Leader Paul Carter commented, "I thought it looked absolutely fantastic. It's just what Ashford needs. It's very modern and contemporary, and very well designed."

Video: Ashford's Future on benefits of the shared space

But the scheme, which cost a reported £9million, hasn't had a completely smooth year with multiple groups criticising it over safety concerns. The National Federation of the Blind held a protest, cyclists started a facebook campaign against it and Top Gear presenter Jermey Clarkson wrote a stinging rebuke of it in The Sun. At one point Kent Council Council was even reported to be considering a change of design to shared space crossing design.

Receiving the latest award, KCC Cabinet Member for Highways Nick Chard, said: "Ashford shared space is putting the town on the map. I am pleased that the scheme is getting the recognition it deserves for innovation.

"The new road layout is starting to make Ashford far more pedestrian-friendly. It’s changing from being a car-orientated ring road to being far more accessible."

Over a dozen local councils across the country have put forward plans to implement their own shared space road schemes.