The Lotus Grand Tourers

I know people may say why bother, but my choke cable is broken & I would like to change it. How do you remove the centre console, the bit with radio, clock, lighter & choke. Parts manual says there are "fir tree" fittings, do these pull out with a bit of leverage or is there likely to be the sound of breaking plastic? Is that the best way to attack the problem?
Simon ('86 SE Calypso Red)

Should just pop out fine if you are gentle,have removed mine with no problems if its the later style-not sure on earlier models.