Groom and page never returned (5)
I believe the answer is:
preen
'groom' is the definition.
(a bird grooms itself by preening feathers)
'page never returned' is the wordplay.
'page' becomes 'p'.
'never' becomes 'ne'er' (synonyms).
'returned' says the letters should be written backwards.
'neer' in reverse letter order is 'reen'.
'p'+'reen'='PREEN'
'and' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for preen that I've seen before include "Congratulate (oneself); attend to dress" , "Beautify" , "Perfect one's appearance" , "Self-congratulate" , "setdown straight?" .)