I close venue for undesirables urgently (2,7)

I believe the answer is:

in earnest

'urgently' is the definition.
(both can mean sincerely or seriously)

'i close venue for undesirables' is the wordplay.
'close' becomes 'near' (similar in meaning).
'venue for undesirables' becomes 'nest' (eg a nest of criminals).
'i'+'near'+'nest'='IN EARNEST'

(Other definitions for in earnest that I've seen before include "showing determination" , "Sincere in intention" , "Purposefully" , "with serious intent" , "Not joking" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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