THE latest American graduate to dig in alongside travellers facing eviction from the huge unauthorised Dale Farm campsite is posting an internet blog about her experiences.

Susan Craig-Green is the third American visitor since 2007 to spend time at Dale Farm on behalf of the Washington-based Advocacy Project.

The human rights organisation sends representatives across the globe to work with what it sees as vulnerable people whose rights are under threat.

Ms Craig-Green is working with about 90 families at Crays Hill, helping them to mount legal challenges and improve their literacy levels.

The Oklahoma State University international relations graduate is running a literacy project for adults and secondary school-age children at the site, using traditional teaching methods, computers and the internet.

She is also advising them on legal and homelessness issues connected to the threatened eviction by Basildon Council. A keen photographer, she is posting pictures of Dale Farm residents online as part of a blog about her time with the travellers.

In her latest post, earlier this week, she suggests the travellers’ only hope of avoiding eviction is for them to engage with villagers living nearby.

She writes: “There may be no protection from eviction while they pursue other legal avenues unless their neighbours can be encouraged to engage with the travellers, recognise their humanity, and the fundamental rights that go with it, and support their residence at Dale Farm.”

She also highlights fears among the Dale Farm community and the deteriorating condition of the site as eviction looms.

She adds: “I fear, as the travellers do, the traveller community will be scattered across the country, separating families and creating yet more obstacles to them exercising their traditional way of life.

“They are uncertain every night whether or not they will be evicted from their homes in the morning, which causes them much worry and strain.

“Due to this uncertain situation, they have therefore not developed any sort of permanent relationship with their environment and much of the site is dilapidated and in disarray.

“The travellers at Dale Farm remain strong and dignified, despite their precarious living situation, overt prejudice from their neighbours and their ongoing struggle to preserve their way of life in a society designed for settled, literate people.”