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

Lockhart commends community spirit at Killicomaine Fun Day and bonfire celebrations

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 15, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised the outstanding community spirit on display during a visit to the Killicomaine Fun Day, commending local volunteers and bonfire builders for their dedication in bringing the community together ahead of the Twelfth celebrations.

Lockhart welcomes confirmation of Mill Hill speed ramp replacement

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 15, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed confirmation from the Department for Infrastructure that a missing speed ramp on Mill Hill, Waringstown, will be reinstated following representations she made on behalf of concerned local residents.

Lockhart congratulates Waringstown Neighbourhood Watch on 20 years of community service

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 15, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to Waringstown Neighbourhood Watch as the organisation marked its 20th anniversary, praising its volunteers for two decades of dedication to keeping the village safe. 

Lockhart praises community spirit at South Lurgan Eleventh celebrations

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 15, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised the organisers of a successful Eleventh of July Fun Day and Tea Dance in Lurgan, commending the outstanding community spirit on display ahead of the annual Twelfth celebrations.

Lockhart celebrates strong community spirit as thousands marked the Glorious Twelfth

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 18, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised the tremendous turnout and community spirit displayed across Northern Ireland as thousands gathered to mark the Glorious Twelfth.

MP welcomes capital grant scheme for farming sector

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 9, 2026
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has welcomed the launch of DAERA's Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme, describing it as essential and meaningful support Northern Ireland's farming industry.

Lockhart challenges Government over illegal immigration and Northern Ireland’s exposed border

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 8, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has challenged the Government over what she described as its failure to protect Northern Ireland from illegal immigration, warning that the Province remains exposed because of weaknesses in UK border policy.

Carla Lockhart MP reaffirms support for Portadown brethren following Drumcree parade and church service

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 5, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has reaffirmed her unwavering support for the brethren of Portadown District LOL No. 1 after attending today’s Drumcree parade and church service, describing it as another significant chapter in their long-standing campaign to return home along their traditional route.

MP welcomes TB wildlife consultation but says farmers are anxious about mandatory blood test

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 3, 2026
DUP Agriculture Spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP has welcomed DAERA's long-awaited consultation on wildlife intervention, describing it as a vital step towards delivering the comprehensive bovine TB eradication strategy that Northern Ireland's farming community has been demanding for decades.

Carla Lockhart MP celebrates local centenarian Jim Copeland on his 100th birthday

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 1, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to local centenarian Jim Copeland as he celebrated his 100th birthday, describing him as “one of life’s true gentlemen” and thanking him for his lifetime of Christian faith, service and quiet inspiration.