Yes indeed, old fuchsia bushes are a bit of a problem in respect of thick stems and roots, I reckon it will have to be a saw and a spade. Have you asked at a garden centre if they have something for killing tree roots?, maybe that would be an easier solution - Kath :)

I've gotten tree root killer at the garden centre but they weren't sure if it would work on Fuschias. I can't dig the roots up fully as it would destroy my lawn so it looks like I'll have to try the tree root killer.
Cheers for the reply