Not familiar with that British machine, but much would depend upon your "shadetree mechanic skills"... :) would take plenty of before/during/after pixs and notes; try if at all possible to gather up at least a product parts list diagram and other documentation before opening my toolbox.
Any possibility the machine is still under warranty and that there are qualified repair facilities for same in France? This machine does appear to be of a fairly sophisticated design from what little research I did....

Thanks for the reply. Bit the bullet, took it off, had it welded and a friend helped to put it back on. The two springs were a nightmare; special spring expander tool required I would suggest.