Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart Welcomes Exciting New Business ‘Folks’ to Banbridge
Carla Lockhart MP • April 23, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the opening of a brand-new coffee shop, Folks, in Banbridge, praising the entrepreneurial spirit and community focus of the two sisters behind the venture. The MP visited the shop, located at 1 The Mall, to meet owners Jennifer and Katie, and to sample some of the freshly brewed coffee and their now locally-loved açaí and granola bowls.
Speaking after her visit, Carla Lockhart MP said:
“It was really lovely to be invited for coffee with Jennifer and Katie at their fabulous new coffee shop, Folks. Two sisters with a real passion for hospitality and people, and they’re already taking the town by storm!”
“The space they’ve created is warm, welcoming and beautifully done. The tea and coffee are spot on, and the açaí and granola bowls are absolutely delicious! There’s already a great buzz about the place, and it’s easy to see why.”
“It’s always a joy to see new businesses opening in our towns, especially when they’re led by local people with such heart and enthusiasm. Huge congratulations to the girls on taking the leap. I wish them every success with Folks, and I’d really encourage the community to pop in and show their support.”
Share
DUP Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP, has hit out at DAERA Minister Andrew Muir, following confirmation that Northern Ireland currently has no dedicated bee inspectors in place, leaving all bee health issues routed through a single shared email inbox.
With the 2025 Beef Week campaign underway, Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart is urging consumers to shop local and safeguard the future of the province’s agri-food sector.
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart is looking forward to attending Lurgan and District Horse and Cattle Society’s 110 th agricultural show on Saturday, 7 th June.
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said the launch of the Blueprint for Bovine TB Eradication in Northern Ireland largely mirrors previous recommendations made by Edwin Poots, but says tough decisions are necessary on effective wildlife control to mitigate against the spread of the disease.
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has issued a strong statement demanding urgent action from the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) Minister over the worsening state of roads across the constituency, saying the situation has become a growing source of public anger and frustration. While acknowledging the hard work of local DfI staff on the ground, Carla Lockhart said the blame for the crisis lies squarely at the feet of the Minister, who she accuses of failing to prioritise core infrastructure in favour of wasteful spending on “vanity projects.”
DUP Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP has hit out at DAERA Minister Andrew Muir following confirmation that Northern Ireland currently has no dedicated bee inspectors in place and that all bee health issues are now being routed through a single shared email inbox. In responses to the Upper Bann MP, the Minister admits there is no one solely responsible for bee inspections within the Department, a move Ms Lockhart has labelled “complacent, careless and completely inadequate.”
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has expressed her sincere thanks to all those who contributed to this year’s Big Bucket Collection in aid of the Southern Area Hospice, which raised an impressive £35,078 across Northern Ireland. Despite the ongoing challenges of the cost of living crisis, communities across the country have once again demonstrated incredible generosity in supporting the Hospice’s vital work.
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the commencement of long-overdue improvement works to the footpaths in Loughgall village, following years of lobbying on behalf of local residents and community groups.
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has encouraged the local community to come out and support Waringstown’s very own Kate Weir as she prepares to launch her debut album The Reason this weekend. The album launch will take place on Saturday 26th April at 7:30pm in Craigavon Civic Centre, featuring special guests LIVE ISSUE, KINGDOM BOUND, WARREN SMYTH, and VICTORIA KENNEDY (SALT). Tickets are £12 and available via Eventbrite, FM Bookshops, or at the door on the night.
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has said Lisburn was alive with colour, music, and tradition on Easter Monday as thousands gathered to witness the annual Apprentice Boys Parade. Bands and brethren from across the country marched proudly through the city, creating a wonderful family atmosphere along the packed parade route. Among the many represented districts, Upper Bann stood tall, with a strong contingent of Apprentice Boys and bands from Banbridge, Lurgan, and Portadown.