South End residents picked up 180 needles at neighborhood park

After South End residents called on public officials to crack down on drug use and dealing at a public safety meeting, a group of volunteers picked up nearly 180 needles in less than a week along a neighborhood park, the group shared on social media.

Just days after a public safety meeting at Cathedral High School Oct. 23, Steve Fox, a South End advocate , said a group of volunteers picked up 180 needles in six days along the Southwest Corridor Park. The linear park is home to playgrounds and a walking path.

“Open drug dealing and drug use can’t be tolerated, and we have to have zero tolerance or open drug dealing and drug use, illegal drug use and any criminal activity,” Councilor Ed Flynn told Boston.com.

The South End and Roxbury are both neighborhoods affected by encampments of ho