....my feeling is that it may be too late to do this job now -  any advice please?
Thanks. 
			
			
			
				I always thought that prunus was a summer pruning task. Something to do with silver leaf, the cuts heal much quicker in summer with less chance of the pathogen gaining entry at the wound site.
But hey! I dont know how to prune blackcurrants!! Im sure a knowledgeable pruner will along very soon ;)
			
			
			
				I think you should prune plums, and presumably other prunus, in the growing season.
			
			
			
				Thanks both. Star, that was my thought too. :)