Cryptic crossword No 1,681

Thanks Coot, that was fun. With 1a and 28a practically write-in's for me I solved this fairly steadily. I was held up by entering an incorrect answer for 24d (I'm sure you can guess, and even parse what it was) but the check button took care of that. My top picks were 2d, 7d, 19d, and 23d (splendid surface!) Nice job.

I liked 1ac, 18ac, 23 a and 21d. Not sure about depleted Blackpool for B...L

Hi Coot, this was good fun. I actually found this a steady solve, though not without its moments! But I was pleased for once to end up with a full grid - perhaps I am slowly improving, lol. My faves were 9a, 18a, 27a, 17d, 23d but I do have a couple of minor quibbles. Spoilers...

Marvellous stuff Coot, I liked the (very helpful) two long 'uns! Also liked 23d (fab wordplay), 21d (for the definition!) and 5d (a hint of sirdakka there 😁). Thanks!

Thanks Coot, enjoyed this, got most of it, though a few stumped me and a few I got but couldn't parse fully. Favourites were 1a, 23a, 25a, 1d and surface of 23d was wonderful! :) spoiler in reply.

Very nice, thanks Coot - my favourites were 1a, 28a, 7d, 16d, and 21d.

Very nice, Coot. Apologies for taking some time to get to this. Some amusing surfaces and some creative constructions. I had big ticks for 1a, 23a, 27a, 28a, 5d, 7d (COTD), 16d, 21d and 23d. Spoilers in Reply. Thanks. PM

Good fun Coot, thanks! I particularly enjoyed 18a 5d 10a and 28a. Cheers

Unusually, the two 15s went straucht in for me, with big smiles, and that sped me through the grid very pleasantly. Thank you!

Thanks Coot, good stuff. Faves 18a (nice apostrophe ;-)), 23a, 27a, 1d, 8d, 21d & 23d. Spoilers ...