News of The World crossword

[storm7263]

No. 7 across. Clues:-
barren, neglected.
Cryptic - solitary appointment has to lose out.
8 letters - letters so far = _E_R_A_E

Any help would be welcome.

[Lie-in King]

Is the 'R' correct?

D-esol-ate - 'Date' = appointment + anag (out) 'lose'

[baitress]

your letter r must be wrong as the answer is obviously
desolate. date(appointment) plus lose out = anagram
of date and lose = barren

[storm7263]

well what is No. 2 down? I had it as preserve (1st R for 7 across)

clue = maintain. Cryptic = keep the jam

[baitress]

conserve not preserve.conserve is a type of jam.

[storm7263]

Of course!! What a div.

Thanks guys.