Crossword Genius

Left coal dug in the vicinity (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

local

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'in the vicinity' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'left coal dug' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'left' could be 'al' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'al' is found within the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for local that I've seen before include "Near - one's pub" , "Parish pump" , "Relating to the neighbourhood" , "One won't knock you out" , "round the corner" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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