Yes, though it would be better to leave about a foot of stem rather than taking it down to a few inches. Hawthorn is very good at regenerating like that.

It might be worth getting someone who knows what he is doing and 'layering' the hedge. This involves slashing part way through the trunks and bending them over, all in the same direction, to give a thick and tidy hedge. It is one of the old country crafts.

Afterward, to maintain dense foliage to the base,, prune at least yearly to keep the top slightly narrower than the base.

I would of left till leaf fall to prune

I thought about laying Bulba as it would be more effective for what they want but its quite a long hedge and would be quite expensive to have done whereas he can chop it off himself.. I don't think he would be into laying it himself. Neither of them knows much abut gardening to put it mildly. I know there are courses teaching it -a chap in the next village went on one and made a grand job of his - but I don't imagine he could spare the time. I'll mention it though. A well laid hedge is a pleasure to see.

GG so would I but its no use talking...its all got to be sorted NOW...