Well-known Camden drill team loses practice facility

CAMDEN, N.J. (WPVI) -- A nationally celebrated drill team from Camden says they have been locked out of their practice facility.

Tawanda Jones, founder of 'Camden Sophisticated Sisters,' says the group showed up to practice at the old water tower on Monday and found fencing around the building and closure signs.

The facility is owned by the City of Camden, but Jones says they were given no advanced notice.

"We are grateful for them letting us use the space for as long as they have but to shut us out with no notice? A lot of my kids are walking from East Camden, we have some coming from Sicklerville, Gloucester - it really is a slap in the face," she said.

You may remember the group stole the show with a performance last year on 'Dancing with the Stars.' They have also been featured on a number of other programs.

A spokesperson for the City of Camden told Action News that the "group has not been locked out. The water tower is under renovation and not deemed safe."

The spokesperson goes on to say that it will take approximately four months to complete the project.