I'm trying to get some PVC skirting behind a radiator, I've made a cut out for where the pipe is attached to the wall but I cannot get the skirting to stand upright due to not enough clearance behind the pipes. I've tried to slot the skirting in from the side but the skirting is too long, if I were to go for that option I'd have to cut it in half. There is a very small amount of flexibility in the copper pipes but I didn't want to push too far. Yes, the pipes have been painted over, and are possibly 5 years old but could be older. 

I have a strong feeling my only options at the moment are:  

1. Cut the skirting so it is shorter (this will look out of place compared to all of my other new skirting, I've gone for PVC as a flood caused the wooden skirting to rot/warp in the bathroom and kitchen!).  

2. Cut the skirting in half and try to blend the cut afterwards.

Now I'm thinking if I cut the skirting in half, would it be best to just extend the pipe cut line on the left so it'd slot in next to the pipe anchor?

This is probably the most complex part of my skirting board journey!

Photos show the board laying on the floor, the pipes, and how far upright I can get the board at the moment. Ignore my filler patch, I'll seal over that soon.

Thank you!

Fitting PVC skirting behind copper radiator pipes