The lights could be switched off on the Alhambra theatre to save cash as council bosses battle to cut spiralling energy costs.

And there may be price hikes at Bradford's sports centres, a halt on buying new library books and a recruitment freeze as the Council tackles rising fuel bills.

And 80 public buildings will have volunteer eco-stewards' appointed to cut down on wasted energy and monitor colleagues to cut energy use.

The arts, heritage and leisure department has been told to find ways of saving £685,000 in the next six months in a report leaked to the Telegraph & Argus.

But every department within Bradford Council could be targeted to make cuts as rocketing fuel bills are expected to cost nearly £2 million extra this year alone.

Chief executive, Tony Reeves, said: "Monitoring of all Council budgets is undertaken on a regular basis as an important part of the financial management of the Council.

"All senior officers are aware of the need to keep departmental expenditure within the cash limits set by members during the budget process. Every attempt is made to contain cost increases without impacting on frontline services."

Valerie Jackson, the principal of theatre group Stage 84, said she hoped the Council would be able to avoid turning off the Alhambra lights.

For three nights from October 18 the group will perform the Wizard of Oz at the Bradford theatre in a self-funded production.

"My point of view is, I love the lights outside the Alhambra. I think it lights up that part of the city. I hope they are not going to be dark for my show," she said.

"I wish they could find another way of saving the money instead of plunging us into darkness. Going to the theatre for many children and adults is a magical experience. It would be lovely for them to see the lights on outside."

Market trader Mick Egan said the impact of an increase in service charges could be costly for tenants at the Oastler Shopping Centre.

Mr Egan said: "The service we get is going down and if they want to put charges up its ridiculous. "I would be very disappointed because we already pay a lot of money. Obviously it would make a major impact if we paid more money out when less money is coming in."

The report also highlights the possible impact of the cuts, including adverse reaction from sports centre and library users, market traders and how a lack of lights at the Alhambra would alter the appearance of the city at night and have security implications.

The £2 million overspend follows the renegotiation of long-term contracts for gas, electricity and oil. Arts, heritage and leisure will be hit hardest, with environmental services needing to find £376,000 and asset management £238,000.

Each department will be asked to begin making efficiency savings, so contingency plans for other sections are already thought to have been drawn up.

The Council is also looking at ways of saving energy in the first place - including "eco-stewards" at 80 of the Council's buildings to monitor their colleagues and prevent energy wastage.

Employees are being asked to volunteer at the authority's worst buildings for energy consumption, such as City Hall, Jacob's Well, Cartwright Hall, libraries and sports centres.

Mr Reeves added: "Any proposals to vary service levels or change policy would be considered and decided upon by members through the Council's decision-making process. There are no plans at this stage to put such proposals to members."