AUBURN — The City Council was met by a handful of angry New Auburn residents Monday night demanding action over the use of the field at Walton Elementary School.

“We want action. We demand action. And if we don’t get action, then we’re going to take action ourselves,” said Norm McKeone, who lives in the immediate neighborhood surround the open field at Walton.

McKeone and other neighbors contended that the field, which is surrounded by a walking track and playground, was once used regularly by New Auburn families and residents. But since last summer, McKeone said that use has declined because dozens of Somali residents play soccer nightly at the school.

McKeone said many in the group are adult males and he is concerned with swearing, balls hitting cars and homes and cars speeding away from the school after practice,  endangering children playing in the neighborhood streets. McKeone said he was threatened by one of the men when he yelled at them to slow down.

Police Chief Phil Crowell said that officers have responded to complaints at the field since late last summer, but that other than a couple fights last year, most calls turned out to be minor or unfounded. Crowell said he checked with officials at Auburn School Department, which owns the field, and was told that the group has a contract with the school department to use the field.

Councilor Belinda Gerry, one of two at-large representatives for the city, said she would like to meet with the school department about who is allowed to use the field and what kinds of rules must be followed.

Ward 3 Councilor Daniel Herrick and Ward 4 Councilor David Young both wanted more information about the group using the field, namely whether it’s an organized team or league and what type of insurance it carries.

Young, who is the city’s representative to the School Committee, said the information would be helpful so the issue could be brought before the committee at its meeting Wednesday night.