The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word HAUNTS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
H
A
U
N
T
S
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "locals" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case locals = haunts.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does HAUNTS mean?
HAUNTS noun- A place at which one is regularly found; a habitation or hangout.
- A ghost.
- A feeding place for animals.
- To inhabit, or visit frequently (most often used in reference to ghosts).
- To make uneasy, restless.
- To stalk, to follow
- To live habitually; to stay, to remain.
- To accustom; habituate; make accustomed to.
- To practise; to devote oneself to.
- To persist in staying or visiting.