Johnston Press chief executive Ashley Highfield says closing printing presses on the Island was essential to streamline operations and ensure efficiency.

He was speaking after the UK-based parent group of Isle of Man Newspapers announced losses of ?144m over the last year.

In a statement, Mr Highfield, said the company’s review of future requirements meant rationalising print capacity.

The Examiner, Courier and Independent are all now printed in Dinnington in Sheffield, one of just five print works the company owns.

The press closure at Publishing House on Peel Road saw seven full-time and numerous casual workers laid off.

More recently, the firm announced it would make further redundancies in sales and editorial.

Mr Highfield, laying out the future of Johnston Press, said a two-pronged strategy of relaunching and revitalising titles, along with more focus on new media, would turn around the company’s fortunes.

His comments come after Johnston revealed advertising revenue fell by nine per cent across the group over the last 12 months.