In message , Richard
writes
Tim Lamb wrote:

Could you not prune to just above the height of any replacement
fence with a bit spare for working room.

That was/is my idea. Installing tall posts was a way of future proofing.
Any serious trimming needs to be done
over the next few weeks.
Just how hard can I prune the hedge. the side to be trimmed is south
facing.

I don't see any problem with trimming all the obstructing branches in
the work area back to 200mm or so. There will still be plenty of
untrimmed growth to keep the bushes growing.


Sorry for tardy reply - New Year away intervened.

You haven't missed much:-)

regards
--
Tim Lamb