Total Johnston Press ad revenues for the 44 weeks ending on Nov. 1 were down 15.5 percent from the same period last year ShareCast reported Wednesday.

The overall performance for the UK regional newspaper publisher has deteriorated since the first half of this year, because of “further substantial declines in property advertising combined with significant falls in employment and display advertising," according to the company's statement.

Ad sales in the first half were down 9.5 percent, ShareCast reported. The operating profit for the full year is expected to be at the lower end of current market expectations, according to Johnston Press' announcement.

Newspaper sales revenues after 44 weeks dropped slightly year-over-year, according to ShareCast.

“Circulations (are) suffering from both the general economic conditions and a significant reduction in levels of interest in the property market,” the group explained.

Given the challenging and weakening economic and operating environment, Johnston Press said it is focusing on managing its cost base and reducing its debt levels, ShareCast reported.