Hi Geoff I can't answer all your questions, but the ones I can are...
1. I sometimes work away and wifes not in best of health what sort of time in morning would you open the coop as i may be able to get an elderly neighbour to help.
You can get an automatic pop-hole that opens and closes without you but I think they're about 70 pounds. Some people on here use them and like them. We just get up and let them out. To lay eggs they need 14 hours daylight and mine put themselves to bed at about 9pm so if I'm not up before I always make sure they're out by 7:30 at the latest. A few times I've had a lie-in and they don't complain. I'm not sure they can tell how light it is outside when they're inside. I would say 8am at the latest.
3 would you go to the expense of an electric fence or a foxwatch.
I live in a city so my situation's different but from what I've learnt on here, if you live anywhere rural (especially keeping chickens on farmland!) it would be worth your while to get an electric fence. That's what my supplier told me as well.
I'm not good at measurements but perhaps electric proofing your area would be cheaper than making a fox-proof fence around it - lots of weld-mesh and wood etc.
4. Are chickens loud as i have neighbours either side.
No, they cluck happily and quietly unless they're afraid. Don't get a cockerel.
6. How much time realisticly would say four chickens take to look after.
Not much more than the two I have I would guess. 2 mins in morning to let them out, feed them, water them. Check on food/water supplies in day. Put them away at night (30 secs). People recommend cleaning them out once a week and disinfecting every 3 weeks which takes a bit more time. I tend to clean more often.