A piece of art that highlights the plight of victims of domestic violence has proved so impressive that it might end up on permanent display.

Members of the Derwentside Domestic Violence Forum teamed up with youngsters from theatre group Theatre Cap a Pie to take over an entire house to create a scene of domestic violence.

The result has been described by social workers and leading members of Derwentside District Council as so moving that they are investigating ways of keeping it open permanently. The boarded up council house at Rogerley Terrace in Catchgate, near Annfield Plain, was originally given by Derwentside council to the Forum for a two-week art project.

Actors in the house take on the characters of a troubled family and interact with members of the public. Clues are also left around the home to indicate that all is not well.

Mark Brown, the designer at Lanchester-based Theatre Cap a Pie, explained that youngsters from the theatre group and domestic violence forum had come up with the ideas.

He said: "I just did what they said really. The whole project has been really interesting and it has been good to see the reaction of professional people like social workers. They said we just can't close it because they need it. Even Durham police are coming to have a look.

"We had one group of persistent truants here, all about 14 and 15. They started by saying it was rubbish or whatever. By the end, and after we'd had workshops with them, they just wouldn't leave. They really questioned the father figure and seemed to a lot from it."

Jean Huntley, who is head of art at Lanchester St Bede's Comprehensive and a cabinet member at Derwentside District Council, said the house was important for the area.

She said: "We can not let it shut. I've seen a lot of art, as you can imagine, but that is the most moving piece I have witnessed. I will do what I can to make sure it stays open if it is at all possible.