CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1 It could be difficult to work after harsh sentence in the past (4,6) 6 Streak in this state, and sweep along swiftly (4) 10 Artist involved in defamation could be quite generous (7) 11 That’s about to be included in acts of intimidation (7) 12 Some run round top university. In fact, it was quite a lot (8) 13 Had to go for a long walk at the final incline (5) 15 Find ways, at last, to become unpretentious (6) 17 Did a salesman run into a girl yet gain a pardon? (8) 19 Sent off to jobs in the wrong places in remote settlements (8) 21 State the sea in France is a lot less stormy (6) 24 Find a new application when operating a machine (2,3) 25 When one politician performed he had a strong effect (8) 28 In the beginning, vulgar characters may push their way in (7) 29 Train that’s out of order unable to move in this state (7) 30 Featured in the Beano, describing a crossing place (4) 31 Trying hard, after a short time, and appealing at the end (10) DOWN 1 Take a firm grip on the leading horse, getting on a bit (4) 2 Is about to get restricted, but will recover quite quickly (7) 3 Very big lead as Republicans get elected, initially (5) 4 Had to book everyone to come back for an election (6) 5 Peace-keeping force examined an issue, but lacked experience (8) 7 Cleaner had to take on an empty drainpipe. It’s a travesty (7) 8 Girls’ group come out to play on Sunday, then it leaves the scene (10) 9 Can start to rear it, with one type of yardstick, commonly (8) 14 One man took a stance, although it could turn out quite a burden (10) 16 Reinforces the beach. Drink to that (6,2) 18 March across new town grating (8) 20 Relied on something, but, over time, was corroded (7) 22 A term is coined for some principal conductors (7) 23 Odds on holding ceremony for an elf or goblin (6) 26 Old revolutionary took on a priest. But he didn’t cost much (5) 27 Leave a child’s pony with a man, finally (4)