The lost Radio Ballad "A Cry from the Cut" is here [thanks Jim]:

http://www.waterwaysongs.co.uk/Ref_Canal_Songs.htm
http://www.waterwaysongs.co.uk/cry_from_the_cut.htm

There is a 'video' version on Vimeo - with slides of historic scenes set to the original sound track.

https://vimeo.com/17437484

Also see:

http://www.cpatrust.org.uk/bham_ballads/#11

This was a programme much lamented by Ian Campbell in 30.5.99 as being ignored by the BBC. It has never been aired in 50 years. Likely the Beeb doesn't even have a copy.

http://www.mustrad.org.uk/enth13.htm

In addition a 'Tales from the Towpath' has surfaced here:

http://www.waterwaysongs.co.uk/Ref_Canal_Songs.htm
http://www.waterwaysongs.co.uk/tales_from_the_towpath.htm

A BBC Radio programme about the building of the Manchester Ship Canal

All can be downloaded.

Enjoy!!

CJB