The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 12 letter word SET[T]LEMENT
S
E
T
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T
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L
E
M
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N
T
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Local community" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case local community = set[t]lement.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 SET[T]LEMENT mean?
SET[T]LEMENT noun- The act of settling.
- The state of being settled.
- A colony that is newly established; a place or region newly settled.
- A community of people living together, such as a hamlet, village, town, or city.
- The gradual sinking of a building. Fractures or dislocations caused by settlement.
- The delivery of goods by the seller and payment for them by the buyer, under a previously agreed trade or transaction or contract entered into.
- A disposition of property, or the act of granting it.
- A settled place of abode; residence; a right growing out of legal residence.
- A resolution of a dispute.