That was the argument put by Cr Charlie Sheahan at last week's council meeting, during discussion about the Cootamundra Concert Band's request to be reinstated as a 355 committee.

The band's 355 status was removed six months ago because it had failed to put in some required regular reports.

Mayor Abb McAlister said he was under the impression that council was trying to not have so many 355s, and if the request was granted there could be other organisations that wanted to come in for the cheap insurance.

Cr Sheahan said he wouldn't mind that, anyway.

"I wouldn't be putting up walls to groups that want to become 355s, because they're actually serving our community, serving us and helping us do our job," he said. "So I think it's fantastic.

"They've now produced their full reports and explained the reason for the oversight, which is that they had a change of executive at that time, and I support councillors Kelly and Bowden in their motion to have the Concert Band reinstated."

The recommendation before council was that the band not be reinstated, on the grounds that public liability insurance was available for community groups at economical rates, which was not always the case two decades ago when the committee was established, and its financial reports showed it could afford it..

Cr Kelly proposed the band be "brought back", as it was the council that had pulled the rug out from under them.

"They've approached the council and wish to come back under a 355 committee and I can't see the big deal in not helping out with their wishes, that's all."

In a letter to council, band president and conductor Alison Paterson said the band had been a 355 committee since 1997 and had been self-sufficient.

"Our revenue is generated from rehearsal fees, instrument hire fees and small donations," she said. "We have provided music support to regular community events, including the Anzac Day services, Wattle Time Fair and Carols in the Park.

"We have contributed to fundraising for the Town Hall upgrade in 2001, the Arts Centre Cootamundra since 2006, Can Assist, Apex, Lions Club, Southern Cross Care and Adina Care.

"It's widely acknowledged that music has significant mental health benefits. The Band provides music education opportunities for community members of all ages at an affordable cost by qualified musicians."