Music venue forced to close after break-in

A music and arts venue has been forced to close after copper pipes, cabling and a water tank were stolen from the building.

The Fiery Bird in Woking was flooded after the fittings were taken in a raid on Wednesday.

A number of events have already been cancelled and it is unknown when the venue will reopen.

Elaine McGinty, who runs Fiery Bird, said she was “devastated”. Surrey Police said it was investigating reports of a burglary.

Copper pipes, cabling, a water tank and sound system equipment were taken during the break-in, Ms McGinty said.

“They had no regard for the community. Isolated and vulnerable volunteers were in tears,” she said.

The building has been secured and its water supply turned off.

Ms McGinty took on the venue in October. It is also home to the Phoenix Cultural Centre, which hosts community events and classes, including training for adults with special educational needs.

Ms McGinty said: “This is a really great project and it was just starting to flow. We just want to get on with the stuff we set out to do.”

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