Carla Lockhart MP and Lord Mayor Margaret Tinsley Welcome Minister Jacob Young to Banbridge to Discuss FE McWilliams successful Leveling Up Bid

Carla Lockhart MP • April 16, 2024

Carla Lockhart, MP for Upper Bann, and Lord Mayor Margaret Tinsley were delighted to host Minister of State Jacob Young, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Leveling Up, Housing and Communities, in Banbridge’s FE McWilliams Gallery and Studio. The purpose of the visit was to discuss the expansion plans for the Council’s key art and tourism facility, following the recent success of a £3.6 million Leveling Up funding bid.

The invitation extended by Carla Lockhart MP facilitated a fruitful discussion on the transformative potential of the allocated funding. The proposed plans aim to enhance and extend the existing facility by introducing additional exhibition space, improved education facilities and conferences space. It is hoped that the current visitor numbers of 50,000 per year will increase to 90,000 per year as a result.


Carla Lockhart MP expressed her gratitude for Minister Jacob Young's visit, stating, "I was pleased to welcome Minister Young to Banbridge to discuss the exciting expansion plans for our art and tourism facility. This funding presents a tremendous opportunity to enhance our cultural landscape and bolster our local economy. It will continue to showcase Upper Ban at the very heart of our UK Government. I want to attract money from the Leveling Up Fund for several other projects and therefore take every opportunity I can to highlight the needs.”

Share

Chancellor must STOP the Family Farm Tax

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 19, 2025
The countdown is on ahead of the Chancellor’s autumn budget on 26 th November, and pressure is mounting on the Labour government to do an eleventh hour U-turn on its proposed changes to historic Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR).

Christian Ethos in Schools Must Be Defended

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 19, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart was at the Supreme Court today as judgment was handed down in the challenge brought against the place of religious education and collective worship in Northern Ireland’s schools.

Lockhart Welcomes Installation of New Grit Bin at Linen Green in Waringstown

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 19, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the installation of a new grit bin at the entrance to Linen Green in Waringstown, following a lengthy process to have the development formally adopted.

Community at Its Best as Carla Lockhart MP Visits Groups Across Upper Bann

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 19, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised the outstanding community spirit shown across the constituency following a busy day of engagements with local groups on Saturday.

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart Attends Annual Service of Remembrance at Bethany Free Presbyterian Church

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 19, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces and security personnel after attending the Annual Service of Remembrance and Reflection at Bethany Free Presbyterian Church, Portadown.

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart Celebrates Remarkable 102nd Birthday of Much-Loved Banbridge Resident

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 19, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid a heartfelt tribute to Mrs Weir of Banbridge, who has celebrated her 102nd birthday, describing her as “one of Banbridge’s finest” and a cherished figure within the local community.

Lockhart leads NI farming delegation to HM treasury

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 18, 2025
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has led a representation on behalf of the Ulster Farmers’ Union, to HM Treasury in Whitehall to hand in a letter protesting against proposed inheritance tax reforms.

Farmers left in limbo over critical issues

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 13, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has accused the UK government of leaving farmers in limbo over a number of critical and hugely concerning issues.

Lockhart urging DEFRA to step-up as vet meds grace period deadline looms

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 13, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has warned that farmers, pet owners and vets in Northern Ireland could face serious disruption when the current grace period for supplying veterinary medicines ends on 31 December 2025 .

Lockhart Praises Banbridge Volunteers Supporting the Poppy Appeal

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 12, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised the dedication of local volunteers supporting this year’s Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal in Banbridge, and joined with the community on Sunday to honour the fallen at the town’s Remembrance Service.