In this extra episode of The Water Road, we examine the issue of the moment -- extreme water shortages which have led to canal and lock closures in the north of England and the Midlands. We hear from businesses affected, including Kingsground Narrowboats on the South Oxford, Braidbar Boats on the Macclesfield Canal, Chamberlain Chandlery on the Middlewich Arm, and Grand Union Narrowboats in Northamptonshire. And we speak to Dr Adam Comerford, the National Hydrology Manager for the Canal and River Trust, who explains why this year has been so bad, and answers some of the criticism directed at the Trust.

Produced and presented by Adam Porter.