MP and Cllr congratulates The Bottom Drawer on 15th birthday

Carla Lockhart MP • October 18, 2022

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart and Cllr Margaret Tinsley have congratulated local business The Bottom Drawer on celebrating 15 years in business. The Portadown boutique and home wear store has been a wonderful success story, bringing people from across Northern Ireland and beyond to Portadown.

Speaking on a visit to mark the shop’s birthday, Carla Lockhart and Cllr Tinsle said:

 

“Rhonda and Francis are to be congratulated on reaching 15 years in business here in Magowan Buildings. They are great examples of women in business and I know their success has inspired others to take the step into retail.

 

Running an independent shop on the High Street can be challenging. Sadly many fail, but The Bottom Drawer has gone from strength to strength in their 15 years with the expansion of the store a reflection on its popularity and loyal customer base.

 

I wish the girls well in the future. I know the business will continue to increase in popularity and continue to make Portadown a destination town for many women. That is what we need in our local towns and I commend The Bottom Drawer for all they have achieved.”

Share

Lockhart mingles with thousands of visitors at Redhouse Open Day

By Carla Lockhart MP • January 15, 2026
The Redhouse Open Day, held in conjunction with dairy genetics company World Wide Sires, has been praised by Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart.

MP urges exchequer to consign immoral death tax policy to farmyard manure heap

By Carla Lockhart MP • January 15, 2026
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has challenged the Labour Government to do the honorable thing regarding its immoral inheritance tax reforms.

Lockhart questions Alliance party’s sudden interest in agriculture

By Carla Lockhart MP • January 15, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has questioned the Alliance Party’s sudden interest in farming.

Lockhart Calls on NI Health Minister To Protect Children

By Carla Lockhart MP • January 14, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has renewed her call for the proposed puberty blockers trial to be halted and cancelled by the UK Health Minister, urging both the UK Government and the Northern Ireland Health Minister to act decisively to protect children from irreversible harm.

Lockhart Steps Up Fix Our Roads Campaign as Potholes Worsen After Cold Snap

By Carla Lockhart MP • January 14, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has warned that road conditions across the constituency have deteriorated sharply following the recent cold snap, as she renewed calls on the Roads Minister to urgently “Fix Our Roads”.

Lockhart Tables Parliamentary Motion to Mark Waringstown Women’s Institute’s 70th Anniversary

By Carla Lockhart MP • January 14, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) in Parliament to recognise and celebrate the 70th anniversary of Waringstown Women’s Institute and its longstanding contribution to community life in the village and surrounding area.

Lockhart Tables Parliamentary Motion to Mark Banbridge RFC’s 100th Anniversary

By Carla Lockhart MP • January 14, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) in Parliament to formally recognise and celebrate the 100th anniversary of Banbridge Rugby Football Club and its outstanding contribution to sport and community life.

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart expresses bitter disappointment at failure to add MLD to newborn heel-prick screening

By Carla Lockhart MP • January 9, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has spoken of her bitter disappointment following confirmation that Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD) will not be added to the routine newborn heel-prick screening programme, despite sustained campaigning and evidence that the condition can be treated if identified at birth.

MP welcomes DAERA support for BTV movement testing within control zones

By Carla Lockhart MP • January 8, 2026
Confirmation that DAERA will absorb laboratory costs associated with the mandatory pre-movement testing of animals in the designated Bluetongue Temporary Control Zone, has been welcomed by Carla Lockhart MP.

£2.5m inheritance tax threshold a hard-won concession, but remains insufficient

By Carla Lockhart MP • January 8, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has described the Labour government’s increased inheritance tax threshold on agricultural and business property relief as a hard-won and welcome concession, but says it remains insufficient.