It's a big struggle to get a place near Hastings (6)

I believe the answer is:

battle

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'hastings' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for battle that I've seen before include "Lengthy conflict" , "Ben < 's engagement" , "Warfare" , "Conflict, fight" , "Sussex town" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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