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

Carla Lockhart MP Tables Parliamentary Motion Opposing Mandatory Digital ID Across the UK

By Carla Lockhart MP • October 22, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has tabled Early Day Motion 2028 in the House of Commons, calling on the Government to reject any proposals to introduce mandatory digital identification (ID) cards across the United Kingdom.

Carla Lockhart MP Stands with the Parkinson’s Community

By Carla Lockhart MP • October 22, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to the strength and determination of those living with Parkinson’s following her attendance as guest speaker at the County Armagh Parkinson’s Group.

Carla Lockhart MP Praises Community Spirit During Busy Saturday in Upper Bann

By Carla Lockhart MP • October 22, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to the strong sense of community across the area following a busy Saturday spent visiting local events in support of two fantastic causes.

Celebrating 90 Years of Hart Memorial Primary School

By Carla Lockhart MP • October 22, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to the pupils, staff, and community of Hart Memorial Primary School, Portadown, following a special 90th Anniversary Service of Thanksgiving held in St Columba’s Church, Portadown.

Action on HMOs in Upper Bann Welcomed by Carla Lockhart MP

By Carla Lockhart MP • October 22, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed a series of decisive steps announced by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA to tackle the growing impact of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) across Northern Ireland, including here in Upper Bann.

Funding Boost for Upper Bann Marching Bands

By Carla Lockhart MP • October 22, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed news that three local bands have been awarded a total of £26,514 under the Department for Communities’ Funding for Marching Bands Scheme. 

Carla Lockhart MP Stands with WASPI Women

By Carla Lockhart MP • October 21, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has once again voiced her strong support for the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign, standing with women from across the United Kingdom who continue to seek justice after being unfairly impacted by changes to the State Pension age.

Statement from Carla Lockhart MP Following Incident in Lurgan

By Carla Lockhart MP • October 19, 2025
New Title

MP honoured to join McKeever family to welcome Royal visitors

By Carla Lockhart MP • October 17, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart was honoured to join the McKeever family from Long Meadow Farm, during this week’s Royal visit by the Prince and Princess of Wales.

MP’s warning on need for bee inspector well-founded

By Carla Lockhart MP • October 15, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has expressed deep concern following confirmation that an invasive Asian Hornet was discovered recently in the Dundonald area.