Ulster Bank closure a hammer blow for Lurgan

Carla Lockhart MP • November 21, 2023

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has expressed her disappointment at the decision by Ulster Bank to close their Lurgan branch, effective from Tuesday 5th March 2024.

Commenting on the announcement, the DUP representative said:

 

“Losing the Ulster Bank branch in Lurgan is another hammer blow to the town, and to the community in Lurgan and surrounding area.

 

This is just the latest bank to depart our high street, and reflects the move by more and more banks to transit their business online or via mobile banking. This is their response to fewer people using the bank in person, which has been the case in Lurgan for some time.

 

This decision does however leave older people in particular feeling vulnerable, as that face to face interaction whilst banking is removed from our town centres. It is vital that alternative means of banking are promoted. Our Post Office network offer a wide range of banking services and this can be an alternative for many. We also need to look at Banking Hubs being provided in more towns that offer that one stop shop for a range of banks.

 

In consultation with Ulster Bank I am assured that all staff will be offered alternative employment which will assuage fears of job losses. However my thoughts are with the staff as they come to terms with this announcement, and face change as a consequence of this closure.”

Share

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.
By Carla Lockhart MP June 26, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has cautiously welcomed the Government's eleventh-hour decision to water down the proposed tariffs and quotas on imported steel. Measures due to be implemented on 1 st July 2026.
By Carla Lockhart MP June 24, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised the strong sense of community and fellowship on display at this year’s Holy Trinity Church of Ireland Summer Fete in Banbridge.
By Carla Lockhart MP June 24, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has called for cancer patients to receive free dental treatment during and after their cancer care, highlighting the significant impact that cancer treatments can have on oral health and quality of life.
By Carla Lockhart MP June 24, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the official opening of Lidl’s new store in Craigavon, describing the £10 million investment as a major vote of confidence in the local area and a significant boost for the local economy.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 4, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation as Prime Minister, but warns his successor must follow a different path, rather than adopting the same terrible policies and agenda.
By Carla Lockhart MP June 24, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the opening of BodyFit Gym on Queen Street, Lurgan, praising the investment as a significant boost for the town centre and a positive addition to the local health and wellbeing sector.
By Carla Lockhart MP June 24, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to Weaver’s Cancer Support Group as the organisation celebrated its 10th anniversary, recognising the remarkable contribution it has made to individuals and families affected by cancer across the local community.
By Carla Lockhart MP June 24, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the official launch of the Baby Loss Certificate Scheme in Northern Ireland, describing it as an important and compassionate step in recognising the loss experienced by families who have lost a baby during early pregnancy.
By Carla Lockhart MP June 23, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has called on the Government to take urgent action to strengthen border security and restore public confidence in the immigration system, warning that Northern Ireland has become “the weak link in the UK’s border security chain.”