THE three-day musical extravaganza by the Stone Roses at Heaton Park has been hailed a resounding success.

Over the weekend, 225,000 people flocked to the park to enjoy the first major UK shows by the band’s original-line up in 22 years.

It had taken months of careful planning and is believed to have boosted the local economy by £23 million.

There were sporadic incidents of anti-social behaviour, which left a sour taste with some residents living near the park.

Despite this, Councillor Sue Murphy, Manchester City Council’s deputy leader, said: “Music lovers from across the UK came into Manchester to enjoy three nights of excellent music at these successful events — and also provided a huge boost to our hotels, bars and restaurants.”

A clean-up operation was under way this week with organisers, SJM Concerts, contracting Bury, Rochdale and Manchester City councils’ cleansing services.

Police arrested 32 people during the weekend for offences including being drunk and disorderly, assault, possession of drugs and theft, but no arrests were made inside the the concert arena.

People living nearby reported seeing music fans urinating in gardens, though organisers provided more than 1,500 toilets.

A letter sent to the Bury Times by Sedgley Park ward councillors Andrea Simpson, Alan Quinn and Michael James said: “The main area of concern was people blatantly urinating in public with total disregard for the local residents. We personally witnessed people urinating up against residents’ garages, houses, against walls and churchyards. It was very apparent that the organisers had failed to provide adequate portaloos in the local area.”

Holyrood councillor Tim Pickstone said: “Mostly, it seemed to go fairly smoothly. But some people were upset that some of the things they were promised didn’t seem to work. Some people who live around the park were assured that residents’ parking would be preserved. But we’re not sure that always worked. Secondly, there was some concern about how loud the music was, particularly when the Stone Roses were on stage. But obviously in a way, it’s great to have such a big event on Prestwich’s doorstep.“ Trading standards officers and the police also seized clothing worth £9,615 which was being sold on the streets around Heaton Park.

They included counterfeit clothes, such as T-shirts, zipped jackets and hats, and clothing which breached the Trade Marks Act.

SJM Concerts staff fought the heavy rain to set up the massive outdoor shows and spent more than £500,000 on temporary ground cover to protect the park.

Five miles of temporary roads and two miles of new roads were built to make sure the concert could go ahead.

A PA system was set up in seven locations and sound levels were constantly monitored to ensure they did not go above 80 decibels, though they rarely passed 70 decibels.

There were 560 bar staff on site — more than in Manchester city centre — and they poured up to 72,000 pints per hour, with an average waiting time of 15 minutes.

Shuttle buses moved music fans to and from Manchester and 40,000 extra people used the Prestwich, Heaton Park and Bowker Vale Metrolink stops than the previous weekend.

Rob Ballantine, Director of SJM Concerts said: “This is one of the hardest challenges we have ever faced as the elements really were against us. At a critical stage of the build we were a foot under water in places and suspended work so we protected the ground to ensure it wasn't cut up before the gates even opened.

“The emergency services provided invaluable support and once again Manchester showed the UK what we can deliver when everyone comes together and works with expertise in a common goal.”