Apologies, the desoldering tool is a Pace MBT (I was posting a related MetcalTalon query at the same time)
The displays are in 2 groups of 4. It doesn't seem possible to cut the pins above the pcb due to the proximity of other components (see pic) It may be possible to Dremel across the width of the group, with a shim of steel slid in underneath the packages to protect the traces underneath, which would leave me with groups of 5 pins which I would be more confident in attempting to remove.
I have a replacement pcb so have nothing to lose but would like to repair this one as a spare.
Thanks for the link, Tooki. I have found that if the clearance of the lead in the hole is sufficient then the Pace tool or a hand desolder tool are relatively easy to use with a 'wiggle' to leave the lead centred in the hole and not touching the sides, but sometimes the lead is almost an interference fit in the hole and they are much more likely to give trouble.
Incidentally, whilst trawling around I found details of a 'solder fountain', a tool/system I have never heard of or seen before.
Thanks for the suggestions.
regards, BT